Closure of Libby's Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic After Court Ruling

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News Summary

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana, has closed following a court ruling mandating its shutdown due to fraudulent patient diagnoses.

Closure of Libby’s Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic After Court Ruling

In a shocking turn of events, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) clinic, serving the small town of Libby, Montana, has shut its doors following a court ruling that ordered the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to enforce the closure. This decision comes on the heels of a judgment ordering the clinic to pay $3.1 million to BNSF Railway, a company owned by billionaire Warren Buffett, as a result of allegations that CARD committed fraud related to patient diagnoses.

A Staggering Judgment

This drama unfolded when BNSF Railway, based in Texas, took legal action against CARD, claiming that the clinic submitted fraudulent claims for government benefits. In a courtroom showdown earlier this year, a jury concluded that CARD had made over 2,000 patient diagnoses, with a significant number—337—ultimately deemed false by the court.

The Impact on Libby

Libby, a town of approximately 3,000 residents, has endured a long history of health issues stemming from asbestos contamination due to a vermiculite mine that operated for decades. This mine has been the source of toxic dust affecting the local population, leading to numerous cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. For over 20 years, CARD has been a lifeline, providing essential health screenings, monitoring, and treatment for those affected by these hazardous materials.

Despite declaring bankruptcy in August 2023 in light of the judgment, CARD had been allowed to continue its operations under a bankruptcy settlement. Yet, following the court’s writ of execution, the clinic’s assets—including bank accounts and property—were seized, forcing it to cease operations.

Climbing Legal Battles

The fallout extends beyond fraud allegations. CARD is also embroiled in a separate local lawsuit concerning medical malpractice and wrongful death claims linked to opioid prescriptions. BNSF is not sitting idle either; the railway company is facing a wave of lawsuits from asbestos victims in Libby and surrounding areas, all claiming that BNSF played a role in spreading this toxic material.

Funding Woes and Community Concerns

Adding to the turmoil, earlier reports highlighted that a crucial grant covering approximately 80% of CARD’s budget was under threat pending a review by the prior administration. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had provided financial assistance to the clinic for health screenings related to asbestos exposure, underscoring the pivotal role CARD played in safeguarding the community’s health.

The Future of Public Health in Libby

As the clinic’s services—including pulmonary tests, X-rays, CT scans, and essential blood work for diagnosing asbestos-related diseases—come to an abrupt halt, local residents are left in a state of uncertainty. The closure casts a long shadow over public health in the Libby area, sparking fears about the well-being of community members and the clinic’s former employees.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previously designated the Libby site as part of the Superfund program’s National Priorities List, reflecting the urgent need for ongoing cleanup efforts—a task that remains critical even as the clinic is shuttered. Originally, the vermiculite mine was the source of the asbestos pollution that continues to plague Libby residents, and with CARD now closed, the availability of vital medical services is in jeopardy.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

As the community navigates this disheartening chapter, efforts are already underway to advocate for the reopening of the clinic. Residents and local leaders express a strong commitment to fighting for the restoration of CARD’s services, determined to ensure that the Libby community continues to receive the medical attention and care it desperately needs following generations of exposure to asbestos-related hazards.