It is only recently that I have become aware of just how many families have been affected by this debilitating and deadly disease. I, like many Libby citizens, knew of a few court cases, but I had no idea the scope of the problem until recently. The more I have talked with victims of this disease during the past few weeks and months, the more I realize how horrifying this diagnosis can be. My heart goes out to everyone affected. It is imperative now that we determine the extent of the problem and assess the steps necessary to remove any residual danger. It is clear that health care facilities need to be expanded and staffed so that testing and health care services can be received in Libby. I am encouraged that W.R. Grace has made a commitment to help St. John's Lutheran Hospital provide these services. It is still unclear how much money will be required to do what is necessary. There may also be environmental clean-up issues that surface as we continue the investigation. This community does not have the resources to face these economic challenges. We will need help.
I am also concerned about the effect the intense media attention will have on the future of Libby. This media coverage, aside from making us locally more aware of this situation, has only done damage. Not only to Libby as a community (and yes to the economic issues we have been striving to turn around), but also and most severely to the very individuals who have already suffered the most. The national exposure to this situation means that many more individuals are seeking legal recourse against Grace -- including most recently a class action suit. I am concerned that the lawyers will fare far better than the victims of asbestosis. The publicity has already led to the delay of one pending court case as the Grace attorneys have filed for a change in venue. Should this change be granted, plaintiffs may have to travel to Eastern Montana (at their own expense) to have their day(s) in court. Meanwhile those individuals with asbestosis who are still able to work or who may need to sell their homes will be subject to the same economic hardships as the rest of the community as we continue to be labeled "the town left to die."
I am glad the EPA is here. I have been very impressed by their expertise and professionalism. They are very approachable. I am cautiously optimistic about the preliminary findings; I believe there is minimal risk of exposure to the citizens or visitors to Libby. I believe Libby is still a safe community in which to live. This in no way should diminish the fact that many people are suffering from past exposure. We must continue to work together on the local, state, and federal levels to ensure the well being of Libby's future.