$6 million in healthcare is on the way for Libby, Montana residents suffering from asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos cancer.

Montana Senator Max Baucus recently announced that the funding will come in the form of a federal grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The money will go to the Lincoln County Health Department and three other health organizations for screenings and healthcare for people suffering from any asbestos disease.

The area is a federal Superfund site because of large scale asbestos contamination from the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine that was operated in the area for several decades. Asbestos victim advocates such as Sen. Baucus urge the Environmental Protection Agency to consider the situation in Libby a “public health emergency”. This designation would pave the way for even more federal money to help asbestos victims in the area.

News of the federal asbestos healthcare grant will likely be a ray of sunshine to a community that has been hit with astounding loss, disappointment, and death over the last decade.

Libby, Montana is a town that has been riddled with asbestos-related problems for decades. Located near a now-closed W. R. Grace vermiculate mine, the area is now considered a federal Superfund site due to asbestos contamination. Over the years, hundreds have developed health issues and approximately 200 deaths have been attributed to asbestos-related illnesses.

For years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have been working to clean up and monitor the area.

However, recent reports indicate that neither agency knows how safe the area has become. Because of this, Montana Senator Jon Tester has called for greater collaboration between the two agencies.

Sen. Tester believes that better communication will lead to improved cleanup efforts and strengthened healthcare for Libby residents.

The senator’s call for reform comes after EPA administrators were unable to answer his question of “how clean is clean,” instead directing him to check with the DHHS.

Since the two agencies have similar goals and duties, a formal collaboration would be a “giant leap forward in meeting some of the challenges that occur in Libby,” Tester said.

Hopefully, a new commitment to communication will serve to benefit the town of Libby and reduce future instances of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

With the tragedies we’ve seen as mesothelioma lawyers, we’re frustrated for and empathize with the Libby community and the many families affected by this horrible substance; and band together with other advocates to call for continued human and environmental protection from asbestos.