BREAKING: Libby's Card Clinic Closes Amidst Legal Turmoil

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News Summary

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease clinic in Libby, Montana, has closed following a court order due to legal challenges, leaving the community in crisis.

BREAKING: Libby’s Card Clinic Closes Amidst Legal Turmoil

In a shocking turn of events, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) clinic in Libby, Montana, has been shuttered following a court order from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Dated May 7, 2025, this dramatic action was prompted by a staggering $3.1 million judgment owed to BNSF Railway. Residents are left reeling as the clinic has played a pivotal role in addressing the devastating impacts of asbestos exposure in the region.

Libby: A Town Shrouded in Asbestos Legacy

Libby, a small town with a population of approximately 3,000 people, stands as a haunting reminder of a history marred by asbestos mining activities. The local mine produced asbestos dust for decades, impacting the health of its residents. Amidst this distressing backdrop, CARD was established in 2000 as an extension of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital (now Cabinet Peaks Medical Center), transitioning into a nonprofit organization in 2003. It was dedicated to providing essential health services to those affected by the perilous inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Legal Battles Unfold

This closure is not an isolated incident but a culmination of intense legal battles and accusations. Just this past year, CARD found itself ensnared in a lawsuit from BNSF Railway, which alleged that the clinic engaged in fraudulent practices, including improper diagnoses. A jury found evidence of fraudulent claims in an astonishing 337 instances, leading to BNSF’s significant courtroom victory in 2023. The allegations suggested that CARD falsely diagnosed patients to help them qualify for government benefits, a shocking betrayal of trust to the community trying to heal from the effects of asbestos.

Financial Woes and Bankruptcy

These legal troubles forced CARD to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2023, with hopes of continuing operations. Although a new grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scheduled to commence on September 1, 2024, was anticipated to cover 80% of the clinic’s budget, the recent court order has unexpectedly changed the clinic’s fate.

More Allegations Surface

The turmoil doesn’t stop here. A damaging lawsuit filed on October 10, 2024, accused CARD and its medical director, Dr. Charles Brad Black, of medical malpractice, wrongful death, and the improper prescription of opioid painkillers. The allegations claim that misdiagnoses led to patients spiraling into addiction and other severe health complications. It is asserted that patients were not referred for appropriate specialist consultations, further exacerbating their deteriorating conditions.

A Community in Crisis

With the closure of CARD, the future of health care services in Libby looks increasingly bleak. Residents, who have been under continuous health surveillance and treatment due to their exposure to toxic asbestos, now face an uncertain and possibly perilous future. The ramifications of this closure are far-reaching, leaving a deep void in a community already grappling with chronic health issues linked to past industrial practices.

A Glimpse of Hope Amidst the Storm

While the legal and administrative battles rage on, the effects of asbestos exposure continue to loom large over Libby. Once the sun sets tonight, a 60% chance of rain is forecasted, symbolically mirroring the dark clouds gathering over the struggles of residents here. As they confront both health and legal crises, it remains imperative that the community rallies for support and advocacy amidst such difficult times.

The battle against asbestos and its repercussions for Libby is far from over, and the outcome may very well set precedents for similar communities grappling with the fallout from a toxic past.