BREAKING NEWS: Asbestos Screening Clinic in Libby, Montana, Abruptly Shut Down

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News Summary

The CARD clinic in Libby, Montana, has been shut down due to a court order following a judgment from BNSF Railway regarding fraudulent diagnoses.

BREAKING NEWS: Asbestos Screening Clinic in Libby, Montana, Abruptly Shut Down

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), a lifeline for residents of Libby, Montana, has faced an unexpected closure following a court order aimed at seizing the clinic’s assets. This shocking legal development comes as a result of a judgment awarded to the BNSF Railway Company related to claims of fraudulent diagnoses made by the clinic.

Court Order and Immediate Impact

On Wednesday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a court order to shut down the clinic, which is located in a remote town of about 3,000 residents, roughly 50 miles from the U.S.-Canada border. This community has long been grappling with severe health repercussions from decades of asbestos exposure due to a nearby vermiculite mine.

In 2023, BNSF won a significant lawsuit against CARD, alleging that the clinic fraudulently diagnosed over 2,000 patients to help them qualify for government health benefits. Of these diagnoses, a jury found that 337 were indeed false claims. This led to a $6 million judgment against CARD, with BNSF claiming they are owed $3.1 million after including court costs and attorney fees.

Community Under Siege: Health at Risk?

The clinic has been pivotal in offering health screenings, monitoring, and treatment for asbestos-related diseases for more than 20 years. The sudden closure of CARD is stirring fears among community members and health advocates alike that it will drastically affect the ability to provide essential screenings to residents who may have been exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers.

Tracy McNew, the clinic’s Executive Director, emphasized that the closure of this critical facility will, without a doubt, harm public health as fewer individuals will have access to necessary medical screenings for asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

A Long History of Asbestos Exposure

Libby, Montana, has a grim history with asbestos exposure tracing back to the early 20th century when the W.R. Grace Company began mining operations in the area. This mining practice led to widespread contamination, affecting both miners and local residents. Notably, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed the site on its Superfund National Priorities List back in 2002, with ongoing cleanup efforts still making headlines today.

Known for its unfortunate notoriety, Libby has seen a spike in asbestos-related diseases. BNSF has also faced its share of legal challenges, with jurors finding the railway liable in cases tied to the deaths of residents diagnosed with mesothelioma. The repercussions of this ongoing legal battle weigh heavily on the community, as they grapple with health concerns and the future of their medical support.

Legal Fallout and Community Reaction

The closure of CARD has left approximately 19 employees without work and created a substantial void in healthcare services available for those suffering from asbestos exposure in the area. With local lawsuits targeting CARD for medical malpractice and wrongful death additionally clouding the clinic’s reputation, it remains to be seen how this chapter will unfold.

In August 2023, CARD had declared bankruptcy following the jury’s ruling on their fraudulent practices and the ensuing judgment. However, they continued to operate under a federal court-approved settlement agreement. BNSF’s aggressive pursuit of the judgment is now being challenged on the grounds that it violates this bankruptcy agreement.

The Future of CARD: Uncertain Yet Hopeful

As the situation stands, CARD utilized more than $20 million in federal funding over the years and depends on various grants, including a substantial $3 million from the CDC, covering 80% of its operating budget needs. With this sudden change, the clinic’s future hangs in the balance, as McNew has vowed to fight for the clinic’s reopening and for the right to continue serving the affected community.

As authorities continue to patrol the now-closed clinic site, residents are left to wonder what the future holds for their health and the irreplaceable services once offered by the CARD. With the legal wrangling set to continue, the upcoming months will be critical for this beleaguered community.