Newsroom

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2010

CARD Looking for Young Adults Screened in 2000-2001

Libby, MT: The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) and the University of Cincinnati have launched CHIEFS—Childhood Health Investigation and Exposure Follow-up Study. The aim of this study is to look at potential health effects on people that were exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos as a child. Asbestos health assessments were performed by the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) on 600 children (ages 10-19) from Libby in 2000-2001. The age group we are looking for are individuals who currently are 21-30 years of age. These individuals have enough latency and now that they are in adulthood they can have x-rays, limited lung CT scans and lung function testing that can determine if there have been any changes in their lung structure and/or function.

One of the challenges that presents with this project is finding the 600 young adults that participated in the 2000-2001 ATSDR to participate in this study. Many of these young adults probably do not live at the same address as when they participated as children in 2000- 2001. We are asking parents, grandparents, family and friends to work together in identifying and contacting these young people. A qualified participate will receive a $100 money order for their time and cooperation in the study. Only with participation by these important people can this research project be successful.

Applicable candidates will complete an extensive exposure questionnaire, a pulmonary function (breathing) test, a chest x-ray, a limited CT scan, give a small hair sample and have their blood drawn for research. The process takes roughly 3 1/2 to 4 hours of your time. The participant will receive a findings letter if an urgent need is identified and all will receive a final findings letter after their information has been reviewed by a qualified collaborative board of physicians.

The CARD clinic, Libby community and University of Cincinnati values this important research. Understanding the risks related to childhood exposure is an important research milestone to understand the health affect of Libby amphibole asbestos exposure. If you are interested in learning more about the CHIEFS study or if you think you are a potential candidate to take part in this research study please contact Jennifer Fortner at CARD (406-293-9274 extension 23 or Jennifer@libbyasbestos.org ).

CARD is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 specialty care medical and research facility governed by a volunteer community board, and operates within the vision of Caring Pathways to Treatment. CARD is devoted to healthcare, outreach and research to benefit all people impacted by exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos.

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For more information, contact:

Jenifer Fortner

406.293.9274 EX 23

Jennifer@libbyasbestos.org

Left to right: Dr. Brad Black, MD - Medical Director of CARD; Tanis Hernandez, LCSW - Outreach Coordinator of CARD; Kimberly Rowse, RN - Clinical Coordinator of CARD

Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) 2010 Tribute of Unity Award Honoree

CARD was honored with the 2010 Tribute of Unity Award by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) at the Sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference held April 9 through 11 in Chicago.

CARD was recognized for its work, not only in the community of Libby and the surrounding area, but also for working with patients, asbestos medical providers, and asbestos health researchers across the United States and internationally. Dr. Black, his staff and CARD’s Board of Directors were especially honored for the clinic’s provision of leadership in organizing research, patient and community education, and providing psychosocial services for those individuals and families in need. CARD is renowned for its unified approach to treatment, and for the education of the national asbestos community as there are advances in understanding disease development, diagnosis and treatment options.

CARD currently has approximately 3,000 patients, with 20 to 25 new patients per month. The clinic estimates that new patients will continue to register through 2030, as an estimated 80,000 people were exposed to asbestos in the Libby area between 1920 and 1990. In addition, asbestos exposure from shipments, the processing and commercial use of Libby amphibole asbestos, and the use of many other types of asbestos in the United States has created a nationwide health concern.

Dr. Brad Black, CARD Medical Director, Kimberly Rowse, CARD Clinical Coordinator, and Tanis Hernandez, CARD Outreach Coordinator accepted the award on behalf of the entire CARD team, as they were also asked to present at the conference. The Tribute of Unity Award was presented by Dr. Richard Lemen, co–chair of ADAO’s Science Advisory Committee. Dr. Lemen has recently been appointed by President Obama to the Presidential Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, and is a former Assistant Surgeon General of the United States. In his role as Lincoln County Health Officer, Dr. Black became dedicated to developing the healthcare infrastructure necessary for asbestos–related disease healthcare, which included the planning and implementation of the original EPA/ATSDR screening program, and the development of CARD.

CARD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit medical organization dedicated to providing screening, disease diagnosis, tracking, research, consultation, education, patient advocacy and specialty care to those who have acquired asbestos–related disease, or are at risk to disease development due to exposure. For further information, phone CARD at 406.293.9274, or visit CARD’s website at www.libbyasbestos.org.

Libby, MT: Senator Max Baucus will host the official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the renovation and addition to the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) beginning at 1:30 p.m. on March 31.

The ceremony, open to all, will take place at the clinic behind the current structure, located at Third Street and Louisiana Avenue in Libby.

Invitees include Senators Baucus, Jon Tester and Representative Denny Rehberg, as well as community leaders Mayor Doug Roll and Mayor Don Banning of Troy, and Lincoln County Commissioners Tony Berget, John Konzen and Marianne Roose – who also serves on the CARD’s Board of Trustees. State representatives Gerald Bennett, Chas Vincent and Senator Aubyn Curtiss are also on the guest list.

An open reception will follow the ceremony, with the opportunity to tour the clinic and view the new building plans.

CARD is a nonprofit 501(c)3 specialty medical and research facility governed by a volunteer community board, and operates within the vision of Caring Pathways to Treatment. CARD is devoted to healthcare, outreach and research to benefit all people impacted by exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos.

Swank Enterprises of Kalispell was awarded the contract for the new 4,000 square foot addition and renovation of the CARD (Center for Asbestos Related Disease) clinic on Third Street in Libby. Many local contractors looked at the project, but none decided to submit a bid.

The renovation includes expansions to the patient waiting area, enhancement of research lab facilities, and expanded corridors for better movement throughout the building, as well as improvement of the facility’s heating and cooling systems. The addition will add conference room facilities, new patient exam rooms (allowing the previous patient rooms to become offices to accommodate a growing staff), improve medical record storage, and update capacities for storing tissue samples.

The new arrangement enhances the patient’s clinical experience overall from the time they enter the clinic to the point when they finalize their visit – which can be a three-hour first-time experience with the staff in the establishment and management of their care.

“The patients come first. That’s our motto; that’s our reason for existence. We want to make their visit an important first step in taking charge of their health, and we want it to be a positive experience,” stated Tanis Hernandez, LCSW Outreach Coordinator.

Thanks to Senators Baucus and Tester, the appropriations for CARD’s expansion were made possible. Their support and recognition for CARD’s work in the community remains invaluable.

In addition, CARD gives kudos to CTA Architects and Engineers who spearheaded the renovation and addition to the new building. “Their patience, understanding, and dedication in providing the initial design services ensured this new design will work on our property,” praised Starr Backen, Financial Officer at CARD.

CARD is a nonprofit medical facility dedicated to providing long-term screening, disease diagnosis, long-term tracking, research, consultation, education, patient advocacy and specialty care to those who have acquired an asbestos-related disease, or through exposure are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.