It is a day people in Libby have long waited for, as county health workers started using a $6 million grant to treat people with asbestos related diseases.
The grant came after the feds declared Libby a public health emergency back in June. Hundreds of Libby residents have died of asbestos related diseases. Thousands more are sick. EPA investigators blame W.R. Grace. W.R. Grace operated a vermiculite mine outside Libby. But earlier this year, Grace and three of its former executives were acquitted of knowingly exposing Libby residents to deadly doses of asbestos. But, despite the verdict, people in Libby still need help.
Pam Roll has lived in Libby for 30 years, and many of those she knows suffer from asbestos related diseases. Roll says, "When you grow up here, you know pretty much everybody here... so yeah, I've seen a few of them, my father included." That's why Pam figures she has to be screened for asbestos related diseases. She says,
"My parents lived here most of their life. i have a brother who lives here. My husband also and a daughter, so we all get screened regularly."
But the tests can be expensive, sometimes costing up to $2,000. Now those screenings and other health benefits will be covered by a $6 million grant.
The grant covers two critical areas where people in Libby need help, the screenings and health care.
For patients with asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma and with health insurance, the money will cover their remaining treatment costs, and for those without it, the government will foot the bill.
Federal Libby Asbestos Specialty Healthcare Manager Kaiellen Bucher says, "I think this is crucial to the people of Libby. We've had some benefits for them through different funding opportunities but this is the most comprehensive health plan that they've had so far."
Health workers say the public health emergency declaration opened the doors for more medical care. Bucher says, "It really set the ball in motion and Senator Max Baucus was able to act quickly and get the funding that they've been needing for quite some time."
Now, many hope the funding will be a relief for the thousands suffering with asbestos related diseases. Bucher says, "I think there is a huge sense of relief that there is some hope and that there is a plan for their health care in the future." Pam tells the News Channel. "hopefully everybody will get on the bandwagon and start coming in and getting screened more often." People like Pam plan to continue the screenings, and Pam says she hopes those she's lived by for decades can now too.
Health benefits began Monday the 9th, but screenings won't start until November 16th.
For information on the available benefits and medical services funded but the grant, click here.
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