After Montana Asbestos Clinic Shut Down in Court Ruling, Patients Face Uncertain Future

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Full Story

A clinic in Libby, Montana that treated patients with asbestos-related illnesses shut its doors in May. The closure came after a court judgment, and federal funding for the center is now also in jeopardy.

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) has long served residents affected by exposure to asbestos from the nearby vermiculite mine. The town of Libby gained national attention due to high rates of asbestos-linked lung disease.

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The Context

The court ruling that led to the closure has not been publicly detailed, but it has effectively halted operations. The timing has left patients with scarred lungs and long-term care needs in limbo.

Federal funding, which previously helped sustain the clinic’s operations, is reportedly also at risk. Without that support, patients face difficulty accessing specialized care.

Asbestos exposure can lead to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, and long-term lung scarring is common in Libby. The mine, which closed in 1990, contaminated the environment for decades.

Some advocates say the closure could worsen health outcomes in a town already considered a public health disaster zone. Others argue legal oversight and financial accountability must be prioritized even in health-related institutions.

The town was designated a Superfund site by the EPA due to widespread asbestos contamination. Cleanup and health monitoring have been ongoing for years, but challenges remain.

With the clinic closed, patients may have to travel long distances to receive similar care. The future of care for Libby residents now depends on whether federal funding can be preserved.