News Release
Governor’s Office Secures Funding For Libby Health Care Study
Governor’s health care study group to meet by conference call today
9/12/2002
Jean Branscum
406-444-3111
mschwarz@state.mt.us
The funding will be used to examine records of individuals who showed abnormalities in screenings and to study the progression of tremolite asbestos related disease in individuals in order to get a clearer picture of the costs associated with meeting long-term health care needs.
“Estimating the costs is absolutely critical in securing future health care funding that will provide the security and peace of mind residents in the Libby area deserve,” said Governor Martz.
The funding will be received from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is located within the US Department of Health and Human Services, under the direction of Secretary Tommy Thompson. The recommendation to pursue funding for such a study was brought forward by the Governor’s Libby Health Care Study Group, which was formed in August.
“Secretary Thompson and the staff of ATSDR have continually stepped forward to provide assistance for the residents of Libby. We appreciate their ongoing support, specifically in securing this much-needed funding for the study,” said Governor Martz. “As we move forward to address health issues in Libby, accurate information about the health care needs of those exposed to tremolite asbestos and the associated costs of meeting those needs will be key.”
One of Governor Martz’s key priorities is the development of a White Lung Program for those exposed to asbestos. This program would be similar to the current Black Lung Program, established for miners and renders health care services to coalminers suffering from black lung and other respiratory diseases that are attributed to their occupation. The funding provided by ATSDR will be helpful in gaining further information for such a program.
Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Service is finalizing and agreement with ATSDR to conduct additional screenings in Libby. This funding will be provided through that same agreement.
The Governor’s Libby Health Care Study group will hold their second meeting by conference call today (September 12) at 2:00 p.m. For information about this meeting, contact Jean Branscum at 444-3111. (Meeting locations provided below)
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The next meeting of the Governor's Libby Health Care Study Group is
scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2002, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. via video conference. Mary Dalton (DPHHS) is the meeting coordinator for this study group.
Participating sites are:
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Education Department Conference Room
Less than 5 participants
St. Patrick Hospital (Missoula)
International Heart Institute Conference Room
(Hospital 3rd Floor)
5 - 7 Participants
St. John's Lutheran Hospital (Libby)
Video Conference room
10 participants
MHA Board Room (Helena)
5 Participants
