Region 8
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
Getting the Help You Need
Medical Services for Asbestos-Related Disease
The Center for Asbestos-Related Disease (CARD) in Libby (293-9274) is your local source for information and testing for asbestos-related disease. The CARD can provide:- diagnostic tests (pulmonary function tests and chest x-rays) and diagnoses of asbestos-related disease
- referrals to specialists
- information on the prevention and treatment of asbestos-related disease
In the future, costs for diagnostic testing may be reimbursed by the fund established by W.R. Grace, as a result of a settlement with EPA.
In 2000 and 2001, the ATSDR provided medical screening for more than 7,000 residents or former residents of Libby. The testing was done as part of the Libby Community Environmental Health Project (LCEHP). ATSDR will continue to support the community by:
- Providing community health education
- Consulting with agencies working in Libby
- Continuing to evaluate the health effects of exposure to asbestos.
- Conducting a formal public health assessment
For more information, you can call ATSDR toll free at 1-866-457-2690 ext. 5007
The Montana Department of Health and Human Services 
is continuing medical screening through a grant from ATSDR.
If you lived or worked in the Libby area for at least six months before December 31, 1990 and would like to participate, call 293-5060 (from Libby) or 1-800-797-6143 (toll free).
or stop by 609 Mineral Avenue in Libby to schedule an appointment.
Montana Asbestos Screening and Surveillance Acitivity (MASSA) provides screening for people who may have been exposed to asbestos while living in the Libby area before December 31, 1990. It does not provide medical care.
MASSA is for individuals who participated in the asbestos screenings in 2000 and 2001 and were told their tests were negative for asbesots related disease. MASSA offers periodic screening for those same individuals to monitor and watch for any changes that may occur with their health so they can inform their physicians.
MASSA is also for eligible individuals who did not participate in the 2000 or 2001 asbestos screenings, but would like to be tested now.
Help to Stop Smoking
Protecting yourself from tobacco smoke is the single most important health measure you can take. But, as any smoker knows, it is not easy. Fortunately, there is help available to you locally in the form of guidance, tools, and moral support.
In Libby, the primary source for assistance in stopping smoking is Libby Community Interagencies (LCI). The Tobacco Smoke Prevention Coordinator can be reached at 293-3951.
Cancer Information
Information about cancer and its treatment is available from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at 1-800-4-CANCER. The NCI provides this service for cancer patients, the public, and health care professionals.
CIS information specialists have extensive training in providing up-to-date and understandable information about cancer and cancer research, including specific regional information. They can also send you free printed material.
Mental Health Services
The asbestos-related illnesses in Libby have caused many people to suffer from feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, and grief. Stress-related illnesses are reported to be on the rise. Help is available!
The CARD operates the CARD Outreach Recovery Assistance Program (CORA) that provides free mental health services related to Libby's asbestos problems.
For more information, call the CORA at 293-9274.