Clinic Closure Shocks Libby, Montana Amid Asbestos Health Crisis

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News Summary

Libby faces a public health crisis as the Center for Asbestos Related Disease closes following a major court ruling, impacting healthcare access for locals.

Clinic Closure Shocks Libby, Montana Amid Asbestos Health Crisis

Libby, Montana, a small town grappling with the devastating legacy of asbestos exposure, has found itself at the center of a legal whirlwind following the court-ordered closure of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD). On April 4, 2024, authorities executed a writ of execution to seize the clinic’s assets after a ruling mandated the clinic to pay a staggering $3.1 million judgment owed to BNSF Railway.

The Impact of Asbestos on Libby

With only approximately 3,000 residents, Libby has a grim history rooted in the exploitation of its natural resources. For decades, a nearby mine released harmful asbestos dust into the community, leading to a catastrophic number of cases of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other related diseases. Since its establishment in 2000, CARD was pivotal in providing health screenings and monitoring for individuals affected by these conditions, becoming a vital resource for the community over the last 20 years.

BNSF Railway’s Allegations Against CARD

The legal tensions came to a head when BNSF Railway accused CARD of fraud, claiming that the clinic had falsely diagnosed patients to qualify them for government benefits. Their challenge included a review of over 2,000 diagnoses, with the courts ruling that 337 diagnoses were indeed false. This prompted a federal lawsuit initiated on behalf of Medicare, which provides health services for the victims of asbestos exposure.

Financial Struggles and Legal Battles

In June 2023, a jury ruled against CARD, imposing a $6 million judgment, which included penalties owed to BNSF Railway. In a desperate bid to remain operational after this judgment, CARD filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2023. A bankruptcy settlement was reached, allowing CARD to continue operations without paying the full judgment amount, a decision that BNSF is now contesting.

Public Health Concerns

Tracy McNew, the Executive Director of CARD, expressed grave concerns regarding the closure. The clinic’s shutdown means fewer individuals will have access to critical screenings for asbestos-related health issues, jeopardizing public health in a region already devastated by such diseases. The operations of CARD were significantly funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which covered approximately 80% of its budget.

Looking Ahead: Challenges Still Linger

As CARD faces the fallout of this ruling, it’s also grappling with additional legal challenges. A separate lawsuit filed in October 2024 accuses its staff of medical malpractice and wrongful death, including allegations regarding opioid prescriptions, further complicating the clinic’s precarious situation.

The Ongoing Asbestos Crisis

The mine responsible for Libby’s infamous asbestos pollution was closed in 1990, but the repercussions of its operation are still felt today. The site was declared a Superfund cleanup area by the EPA in 2002, yet the total number of deaths linked to asbestos exposure in the area remains unquantified. The clinic’s abrupt closure leaves many in limbo, unable to seek necessary medical attention and highlighting a profound public health crisis that continues to unfold.

Maintaining Security Amid Uncertainty

In the aftermath of the court order, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was tasked with overseeing the seizure of CARD’s assets, including its bank accounts and property. As the building’s locks are changed and security measures are implemented, the future of the clinic remains uncertain, casting a long shadow over Libby.

The closure of CARD not only represents a legal battle but also signifies a dire loss for a community entrenched in the fight against the deadly repercussions of asbestos exposure. As appeals and additional lawsuits loom, the residents of Libby face an uncertain future, desperately hoping for answers and a resolution to their ongoing health struggles.