Title: The Fight of CARD Clinic in Libby, Montana - A Battle Against Asbestos-Related Illnesses
In the small town of Libby, Montana, nestled near an old mine that once supplied most of the world's vermiculite, a special clinic called the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) has been fighting to survive. The CARD Clinic provides free lung screenings and support services for residents suffering from asbestos-related illnesses like asbestosis or mesothelioma. However, its doors were recently shuttered due to a lawsuit brought by BNSF Railway on behalf of the federal government.
The history behind this situation dates back to 1990 when the mine closed down and left many residents exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. In 1999, an investigation revealed that the vermiculite mined at Libby was contaminated with toxic asbestos fibers, leading to a public health crisis in the town. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared parts of Libby a Superfund site in 2002 and later declared it a public health emergency in 2009 - a first for the United States.
A study conducted between 1979 to 2011 found that out of 694 residents from Libby, 58% had died due to asbestos-related causes. Health providers estimate that approximately one in ten people living in this small town suffers from an asbestos-related illness.
The closure of the CARD Clinic has left many patients without access to essential medical care and support services they desperately need. This development highlights the ongoing struggle faced by communities affected by environmental disasters like Libby, where decades later, people continue to suffer from the consequences of past negligence.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we learn from history and ensure proper measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in other parts of the world. The story of CARD Clinic serves as a stark reminder of how important it is for us to prioritize environmental safety and hold corporations accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the fight of the CARD Clinic represents more than just a battle against asbestos-related illnesses; it symbolizes our collective responsibility towards ensuring that no community faces such devastating consequences due to corporate negligence or lack of proper regulation.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/07/07/nx-s1-5452433/libby-montana-vermiculite-asbestosis-clinic-shutdown-bnsf-lawsuit) #near
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