Baucus proposes 1st week of April "Asbestos Awareness Week"

For the fifth year in a row, Montana Senator Max Baucus has introduced the Asbestos Awareness Week resolution. 

From the Western News, newspaper for the towns of Troy and Libby:

Baucus described the resolution is “just one more way he can honor the nearly 300 people in Libby who have died from asbestos-related disease.”

As Senator of a state now famous for its environmental, economic and health struggles as a result of asbestos exposure from the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine in Libby, Baucus has proved time and again his commitment to the victims of asbestos exposure, who too often fall victim to the deadly cancer it causes, malignant mesothelioma.


The Western News provides more of Baucus' Senate resolution here:

“Asbestos Awareness Week is a rallying cry to keep the tragedy of Libby from happening again. It’s also an opportunity to remind people that much more work lies ahead to help victims of asbestos-related diseases,” said Baucus, who was instrumental in urging the Environmental Protection Agency to declare its first-ever public health emergency in Libby.  

“Although we can never fully right the outrageous wrong that took place in Libby, we can fight to make sure the community has the tools it needs to heal. And, we can keep working hard to make sure the public is aware of the tragic impact of asbestos exposure.”

Whether or nor the resolution, co-sponsored by fellow Montana Senator Jon Tester, passes, mesothelioma sufferers, their families, and communities like Libby are all thankful for having a persistent and vocal advocate in the government.

It is difficult, when suffering the economic, emotional, and above all physical affects of mesothelioma, to effectively be your own advocate. Allies are so important, whether they are Senators in touch with the issues that have literally been a cancer on the citizens they represent, or mesothelioma lawyers who ensure that their clients are able to afford the treatments that, in a just world, they would not need in the first place.

For his efforts and successes in bringing attention to and justice for mesothelioma patients in Montana, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is presenting Senator Baucus with the Tribute of Hope Award in April.

We at Mesothelioma Hope would like to extend our thanks to Senators Baucus and Tester, the ADAO, and everyone who works to make sure that mesothelioma and those affected by it are not forgotten.