Closure of Libby’s Asbestos Health Clinic Shakes Community

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News Summary

The abrupt closure of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) due to legal issues has left the Libby community vulnerable, raising health concerns.

Closure of Libby’s Asbestos Health Clinic Shakes Community

In a dramatic turn of events, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) clinic in Libby, Montana, has been abruptly shuttered. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a court order to seize its assets, following a judgment against the clinic that demands payment to BNSF Railway. This move has sent ripples through the tight-knit community of approximately 3,000 residents, many of whom have long depended on CARD for essential healthcare services related to asbestos exposure.

Legacy of Health Crisis in Libby

For over two decades, CARD has been a beacon of hope for those affected by the devastating health consequences linked to asbestos mining in and around Libby. The legacy of these mines looms large, exposing residents to harmful asbestos dust that has been responsible for numerous health issues—including serious respiratory conditions and cancers like mesothelioma.

BNSF Railway, a company challenged by legal allegations regarding its role in transporting contaminated materials through Libby, has faced multiple lawsuits from victims seeking justice. In a recent development, a jury ruled in favor of BNSF, stating that CARD had submitted false claims regarding patient eligibility for government benefits. Specifically, the jury labeled 337 out of more than 2,000 disputed diagnoses as fraudulent, resulting in a staggering $6 million judgment against CARD.

Impact on Public Health

The closure of CARD is not just a legal issue; it has insidious implications for public health. With the clinic’s resources heavily reliant on grants, including significant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the community now fears a lapse in vital health screenings and treatments designed for those suffering from asbestos-related ailments.

The clinic had previously declared bankruptcy but continued to operate under a settlement with the federal government after a court ruling. Following the seizure of its assets, however, the executive director voiced deep concerns regarding the potential loss of health screenings that have been critical for early detection and monitoring of asbestos-related diseases.

Legal Battles Intensify

In September 2024, CARD’s efforts to contest the fraud judgment were denied, solidifying the ruling that labeled numerous diagnoses as invalid. Furthermore, in October, the clinic faced a new local lawsuit alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death linked to the opioid prescriptions that were issued without proper assessment of health conditions. This lawsuit underscores systemic issues within the clinic’s practices, including negligent hiring and inadequate training.

Now facing renewed scrutiny, CARD’s legacy is marred by claims that its failure to rigorously evaluate other health conditions contributed to dire patient outcomes, including emotional distress and wrongful death due to a reliance on misdiagnoses.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

The community is now grappling with the abrupt loss of a critical healthcare provider, with residents worried about the future of healthcare services now jeopardized. The potential reopening of the clinic is currently labeled as “unexpected” and “temporary,” a vague promise in the wake of a crisis where certainty is desperately needed.

As the legal process unfolds and the overarching battle with BNSF continues, the residents of Libby face a future fraught with uncertainty. The closure of CARD may symbolize more than just a legal decision—it could represent a blow to the community’s ongoing struggle against the long shadow cast by asbestos exposure.

The situation remains fluid, with hopes for CARD’s future restoration clashing against the stark realities of legal repercussions and ongoing health challenges faced by those impacted by asbestos in Libby.