Free Libby Asbestos Health Screenings To End September 19th
The free asbestos health screenings offered by the Montana Asbestos Screening and Surveillance Activities (MASSA) will end on September 19, 2008 after offering free screenings for Libby residents since 2003.
Claire Evans, a MASSA nurse, expressed sadness at the conclusion of the screening program.
“It’s sad that we’re closing down,” Evans said. “I think people here have been very happy to have the opportunity to come in and get checked out.”
The MASSA program, which was funded through CDC grants, went into effect in 2003 after Libby residents learned that they had been exposed to dangerously high levels of asbestos stemming from a vermiculite mine run by W.R. Grace, Co.
The screening program aided about 4,500 free lung tests to Libby residents. Residents who have not yet been screened for asbestos-related disease have until the 19th to receive their screening. After the 19th, residents who have lived in Libby for at least six months can take advantage of free screenings provided by the Libby Asbestos Medical Plan (LAMP).
