Posted on December 1, 2014

2019 Year-In-Review

2018 Year-In-Review

2017 Year-In-Review

2016 Year-In-Review

2015 Year-In-Review 

2014 Year-In-Review   

2013 Year-In-Review

2012 Year-In-Review

2011 Year-In-Review

2010 Year-In-Review

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice, exponentially expanded our reach and education, advocacy, and community impact in 2014. With more than 40,000 people in our network, ADAO remains on the front lines to influence global policy, advocate for an asbestos ban, and promote research. As an a top influencer in social media advocacy, we further strengthened our network of victims, physicians, researchers, public health practitioners, and labor union members by utilizing a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. ADAO also increased our credibility as a leader in the field by maintaining our presence on Wikipedia and presenting at more than 12 conferences around the world.  For more than a year, ADAO has been ranked #2 out of 500 Health and Safety individuals and organizations using social media with an average  Klout score of 68.

Every 2014 accomplishment is possible because of the generosity of volunteers, sponsors, and donors who fuel our work and further our cause. Our growth in 2014 has been significant and we eagerly look forward to even greater success in 2015.

2014 Education Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, ADAO:

2014 Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use and the mining and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:

  • Supported the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Tenth Annual Resolution which designated April 1-7, 2014 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
  • Partnered with various national and international organizations to speak out against asbestos use and promote public health
  • Served as a media resource and quoted in: The Guardian, The Huntington Beach Independent, The Hill, The New Haven Register, and The Hamilton Spectator
  • Published numerous blogs to expose international instances of occupational safety and workers’ health violations and spark opposition to the continued mining, exportation, and use of asbestos

2014 Community Initiatives: In an effort to provide a community of support for those affected by asbestos, ADAO:

  • Coordinated Global Asbestos Awareness Week to raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure
  • Published and socially shared more than 30 “Share Your Story” from patients and families who have been devastated by asbestos-related disease.
  • Hosted more than 6 virtual candlelight vigils throughout the year via ADAO’s “Light a Candle” website. These vigils provide an opportunity for individuals to honor loved ones who have lost or are currently fighting a courageous battle with asbestos-related disease.
  • Utilized ADAO’s Facebook Page, Facebook Group pages, and Twitter presence to provide an interactive medium for those seeking a space to share, vent, or obtain information.
  • Designated as the beneficiary of two Mesothelioma Awareness Day events: “Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness  Concert“ and “Miles for Meso” event
  • Raised awareness with “Make a Pie – Take a Pie. Ban Asbestos Challenge” campaign
  • Created Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s Impact from 2004 – 2014 infographic (4th)
  • Published numerous video and blog interviews with mesothelioma patients and experts

2014 Awards and Recognition
Linda Reinstein named Environmental Working Group (EWG) Wonder Woman
Huffington Post’s “50 over 50″ features Linda Reinstein in Top Ten of the “Giving Back Series”

ADAO 2014 Presentations:
“Lung Cancer Research: Beyond the Bench in the 21st Century”
Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC)
Toronto, Canada
February 2014

“Asbestos: Exposing the Truth”
World Ban Asbestos Congress (Via SKYPE)
Karachi, Pakistan
February 2014

“Global Asbestos Action: When Knowledge and Power Unite”
Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation
Toronto, Canada (Via SKYPE)
April 2014

“Where Knowledge and Action Unite:
10th Annual International Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Conference
Washington, DC
April 1014

“Staying Focused and Energized in the Fight Against Asbestos and Mesothelioma”
4th International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma,
Santa Monica, CA
May 2014

“Asbestos: From Magic Mineral to Killer Dust
Izmir, Turkey
May 2014

“Turning Tragedy into Advocacy: One Woman’s Fight to Ban Asbestos”
The Women’s Trial Lawyer Caucus holds a Leadership Summit
Baltimore, MD
July 2014

“Asbestos: Impact on Public Health and the Environment”
ADAO U.S. Senate Staff Briefing
Washington, DC
July 2014

“Challenges and Progress in Increasing Worker Safety and Mitigating Asbestos Exposure in the USA” in the “Asbestos in the Americas” Symposium
20th World Congress on Safety and Health “Asbestos in the Americas” Symposium 
Frankfurt, Germany
August 2014

“The Importance of Supportive Resources for Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers”
International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference 
Cape Town, South Africa
October 2014

“Social Advocacy: Where Knowledge and Community Unite”
International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference 
Cape Town, South Africa
October 2014

“The Importance of Building and Sustaining Strategic Global and Domestic Partnerships”
1st International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management
Melbourne, Australia
November 2014

“History and Impact of Asbestos on OHS in U.S. and Internationally”
American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 142th Annual Meeting and Exposition
New Orleans, LA
November 2014