The Closure of CARD: A Troubling Chapter for Libby’s Asbestos Victims

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News Summary

The sudden shutdown of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, leaves residents without crucial health services amid ongoing asbestos-related health crises.

The Closure of CARD: A Troubling Chapter for Libby’s Asbestos Victims

In a shocking turn of events, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, has been abruptly shut down by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, following a court order on May 7, 2025. This closure not only disrupts essential services for local residents but marks a significant blow to a community already grappling with the catastrophic fallout of asbestos exposure.

A Brief History of CARD

Established in 2000 as part of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, CARD operated independently from 2003, serving as a vital resource for residents affected by hazardous asbestos fibers linked to vermiculite mining since the 1920s. The clinic has dedicated over 20 years to providing screenings, monitoring, and treatment services for illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis, both fatal lung diseases.

Legal Troubles Resulting in Closure

The closure results from a legal battle with BNSF Railway, which claimed CARD fraudulently submitted government benefit claims for patients who were allegedly not genuinely sick. Following a contentious lawsuit, a federal jury determined that 337 out of over 2,000 diagnoses made by the clinic were false. Consequently, BNSF was awarded a judgment of $6 million in 2023, of which they claim that $3.1 million remains owed after accounting for various costs.

In August 2023, CARD filed for bankruptcy due to the legal judgment but continued its operations under a prior settlement in an attempt to keep helping those impacted by asbestos diseases. However, BNSF’s aggressive collection actions have been viewed as a violation of this settlement, thus exacerbating the financial and legal turmoil for CARD.

Impact on Local Community

The town of Libby, home to about 3,000 residents, faces profound implications from this closure. CARD has long been a lifeline for those suffering from diseases caused by asbestos exposure, and public health advocates have voiced concerns that its absence would lead to insufficient screenings for asbestos-related illnesses. Local health professionals, including Sheriff Darren Short, who has personal ties to the clinic as a former patient’s family member, have expressed deep worry about how this disruption could threaten community health.

Environmental Context and Continuing Struggles

In addition to the financial struggles of CARD, Libby has a long and tragic history of asbestos contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency deemed the site a Superfund priority in 2002, largely due to the toxic legacy of vermiculite mining by companies like W.R. Grace. Tragically, this contamination has led to numerous lawsuits against BNSF Railway for their role in transporting asbestos-laden materials through Libby.

The effects of asbestos exposure have been devastating, resulting in many negligent deaths in the community as confirmed by the jury’s findings against BNSF. With the looming closure of CARD, local residents are left searching for answers, treatment, and hope in the face of an ongoing public health crisis.

Future Uncertainty

As CARD’s future hangs in the balance, the clinic’s closure comes at a particularly vulnerable moment. The clinic was reliant on a CDC grant that previously covered 80% of its budget, which is currently under review by the Trump Administration. Meanwhile, there are also concerns about a separate local lawsuit against CARD that accuses the clinic of medical malpractice and wrongful death related to opioid prescriptions.

With these compounding legal and financial challenges, the community is left to wonder how those affected by asbestos exposure will receive the care and support they so desperately need. The story of CARD is one of resilience, struggle, and heartbreak, highlighting the ongoing battle against a public health nightmare that has plagued Libby for far too long.