CARD Clinic Closure Leaves Patients Worried
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) Clinic in Libby, Montana, which provided free lung screenings for asbestos-related illnesses, closed in May after a court judgment. This closure also threatens the clinic’s federal funding. For patients with asbestos-induced lung scarring and cancers, this raises urgent concerns about access to specialized care and ongoing monitoring. Experts emphasize that Libby’s population has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the U. S., with lung cancer mortality rates up to 40 percent higher than the national average according to the CDC.
Experts Explain CARD Clinic’s Role in Public Health
Q: Why was the CARD Clinic critical in Libby, Montana?
A: CARD was a vital community resource offering free lung screenings and early detection for asbestos-related diseases, which are often fatal if untreated. Libby residents have exposure rates 20 times higher than the national average due to vermiculite mining. The clinic’s services helped reduce late-stage diagnoses by approximately 30 percent over the past decade, according to a 2023 peer-reviewed study. Q: What does the clinic’s closure mean for patients?
A: Without CARD, patients face longer travel times for specialized screening—up to 150 miles to the nearest clinic. This delay risks disease progression and increased mortality. Experts warn this could increase asbestos-related deaths by up to 15 percent over the next five years if alternative services are not established promptly.
Legal and Funding Challenges Threaten CARD Clinic’s Future
The court judgment that caused CARD’s closure stems from a dispute over federal contract compliance. The clinic’s funding, which accounted for roughly 70 percent of its $1.2 million annual budget, is now under federal review. Specialists estimate that if funding is not restored within six months, the clinic will be unable to reopen, leaving a critical gap in healthcare for an estimated 1, 200 affected individuals annually.
Media Coverage Reflects National Concern Over CARD Closure
| Outlet | Coverage Tone | Key Points Highlighted | Public Engagement Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPR | Concerned | Clinic closure risks patient health | 15, 000+ article shares, 1, 200 comments |
| The Washington Post | Investigative | Funding disputes and legal background | 10, 000+ shares, 800 comments |
| Montana Public Radio | Community-focused | Patient stories and clinic impact | 7, 500 shares, 500 comments |
| CNN | National Awareness | Broader asbestos disease implications | 20, 000+ shares, 2, 000 comments |
Experts Call for Federal Action to Restore CARD Clinic
Q: What steps are experts recommending to address the crisis?
A: Public health officials urge the Biden administration, now succeeded by President Donald Trump since November 2024, to prioritize federal funding restoration for CARD. They recommend allocating an emergency $2 million to cover operational costs and expand outreach programs. Additionally, experts call for legislative support to create a long-term asbestos exposure monitoring program nationwide, modeled after CARD’s successful framework. Q: How can the community help?
A: Community advocacy through petitions and local government engagement has already resulted in a 25 percent increase in congressional inquiries about asbestos-related health funding. Experts suggest sustained public pressure and partnerships with national health organizations to ensure patient care continuity.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion CARD Clinic Closure Signals Urgent Need for Support. The closure of the CARD Clinic in Libby, Montana, highlights the fragile state of healthcare for asbestos-exposed populations. With federal funding in jeopardy and legal challenges unresolved, patients face delayed diagnoses and increased health risks. Expert consensus stresses immediate federal intervention and community advocacy to restore this essential service and prevent further asbestos-related deaths.
