CARD continues its long history of treating for asbestos-related diseases

 At the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), we are committed to providing holistic healthcare, research, outreach and education related to Libby amphibole asbestos. 

Outreach and education are two important components at the CARD clinic. Outreach and education go hand in hand to increase awareness about asbestos exposure, health effects and the importance of screening and health management for optimal respiratory health. Outreach also helps to establish connections between our organization and the local community, as well as the national asbestos-releated diseases community, who aims to ban asbestos in America, decrease the number of exposures and collaborate in research activities to find new effective treatments for asbestos related diseases.

During the years CARD has implemented many forms of outreach and education to help reach people outside of the traditional health care setting. During the past two years you might have noticed CARD doing more outreach than ever before.  This is because CARD currently has a grant that specifically funds outreach and education activities.  

Therefore, increasing asbestos awareness in parades, local community events and community projects has been possible. Part of our services at CARD include raising awareness by attending health fairs both locally and at a distance, working with our schools, as well as local agencies to help further  the understanding of Libby amphibole.

Education is an important component to address the issue of asbestos for those exposed, individuals diagnosed with asbestos-releated diseases and all families, friends, health care professionals and community members. Many of our education and outreach materials provide a better understand of the disease process and covers several health management topics.  

Other materials are medical-provider specific and are targeting clinics around the nation to raise awareness of Libby amphibole asbestos and its health effects.

CARD has redesigned our website, www.libbyasbestos.org  to include a host of these educational materials.  This is just one of our many resources to help the local and national community be informed and to make life easier and more comfortable for a person facing the challenges of living with an asbestos-related disease.

(Dusti Thompson is a CARD Outreach Specialist) for CARD)