WASHINGTON, DC … March 8, 2010 –The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the leading organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN – 09) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that supports establishing the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”

Additional cosponsors and key supporters include: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ -07), Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA -23), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI -04) and Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH -13).

“We are grateful to the U.S. House of Representatives to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists, and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want, we know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

“The U.S. is one of only two countries that have not imposed a ban on asbestos manufacturing and many people who have been exposed to asbestos are not aware of the potential effects of that exposure. It is imperative that those who have been exposed are armed with knowledge,” said Congressman Cohen.  “Mesothelioma is one disease caused by asbestos exposure, a disease to which I lost my dear friend Warren Zevon, a great singer-songwriter who still had much to contribute but whose life was cut short by this terrible disease.”

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 workers around the world will die of an asbestos related disease – equaling 30 deaths per day.

ADAO will hold its Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

 # # #

 About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

March 03, 2010 02:44 PM Eastern Time 

WASHINGTON–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the leading organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that declares the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”

Additional cosponsors and key supporters include: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT).

“We are grateful to the U.S. Senate to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists, and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want, we know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 workers around the world will die of an asbestos related disease – equaling 30 deaths per day.

ADAO will hold its Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

 
Media Contact
Doug Larkin, ADAO Director of Communications
202-391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

On behalf of the thousands of victims and families affected by asbestos, Linda Reinstein, ADAO Co-Founder will present on Thursday, March 4th at 9:00 am (Eastern) at “OSHA Listens” about the urgency and importance of a complete ban of asbestos at this is truly a unique opportunity. Since we cannot all be in DC, I hope you’ll take advantage of the live webcast that OSHA will broadcast. It will be streamed live all day on March 4^th: http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/osha-listens.html. 

UPDATE 3.10.2010 : Watch the video presentations from OSHA Listens on March 4. Linda Reinstein speaks in the Victims Panel and is the 5th speaker. You may have to allow the video to buffer first. All of the speeches are available online according to their panels.

Doug Larkin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2010

Variety’s Army Archerd Honored Posthumously with Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute

 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Recognizes Hollywood Icon for His Dedication to Breaking Barriers

 MANHATTAN BEACH, CA … March 2, 2010 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today announced that it is honoring Army Archerd with the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute. Archerd, a prolific Variety columnist and Hollywood icon, passed away in 2009 from the rare asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. The Warren Zevon tribute, in its first year, will be presented at ADAO’s Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference to be held on April 10, 2010, in Chicago, Illinois. 

“My father would be enormously honored to have had the opportunity to pay tribute to Army Archerd,” stated Jordan Zevon, ADAO Spokesperson, who lost his father – Warren Zevon – to mesothelioma in 2003. “It is not just the deadly disease that they shared, but a passion for their respective arts and their fearlessness to take a stance on what is right.”

 ”Army Archerd’s legacy is immeasurable, and his important work to further HIV awareness fueled additional research and improved treatment options and echoes ADAO’s educational efforts to help end the tragedy of asbestos disease,” stated ADAO CEO and Co-founder, Linda Reinstein. “We are extremely grateful to have the chance to recognize Mr. Archerd in Warren Zevon’s name.”

“The tragedy of asbestos disease is a story that unfortunately continues to be written for many families. I hope that Army’s legend of making a difference through his work can help give an even louder voice to the efforts to write its end. Mr. President, are you listening?” stated Selma Archerd. “I know my husband would have deeply appreciated ADAO’s efforts to eradicate asbestos, which is still dangerous and lurking, and I am honored to accept this tribute on his behalf.” 

The ADAO conference will bring together prominent physicians, scientists, and safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos, representing the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Discussion will include current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally; facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases, and how to prevent them; and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. 

# # #

 About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004.   ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

On Saturday, February 27, 2010, I will be speaking at the Manhattan Beach TEDx Conference as one of twelve live speakers and four videos to speak and spark deep discussion and connection in a small group environment of only 100 attendees. The event theme is “Building Stronger Communities” and the day is divided into four sessions (1) learning, (2) creating, (3) sustaining and (4) leading. I will be speaking in the “Creating” section and discussing ADAO’s formation. It’s not always easy to speak about how ADAO was started, the personal anguish of my family torn apart, but we all know that we’re working on behalf of tens of thousands of people. When I think back on the last six years, I can’t believe how large ADAO has grown to a network of 6,000 people internationally, a revered science advisory board, and the ear of our Congress, WHO, EPA, OSHA, and many other agencies. ADAO’s successes stand on the shoulders of hundreds of volunteers who have given countless hours to raising awareness and fighting for a complete ban of asbestos. I hoped to share how perseverance and turning one’s anger into action can make a difference. I know it has for me and our ADAO family. In unity, Linda

Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference to be held on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois

Redondo Beach, CA … February 25, 2010  –  Jordan Barab, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known for his commitment to public health and worker safety, was just announced as the keynote speaker at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference to be held on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. 

Barab’s decades of experience in public health and safety in the labor movement, at OSHA, and in the House of Representatives has been dedicated to giving American workers a healthier work environment. Barab was named the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health after serving as the acting head of OSHA in 2009. Formerly, he served as Senior Labor Policy Advisor for health and safety for the House Education and Labor Committee. He has also worked on workplace safety issues for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, was a Health and Safety Specialist for the AFL-CIO from 2001 to 2002, and directed the safety and health program for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. More recently, he created and wrote the award-winning weblog, Confined Space.

“We are honored to have Jordan Barab as our distinguished keynote speaker at this year’s conference,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Jordan’s dedication to protecting Americans in the workplace and providing healthier working environments is impressive.  As an advocate for the worker and their family, Jordan’s efforts to improve workplace safety in America is saving lives and changing policy.”

The ADAO conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees, and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO’s continuing efforts to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use, and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options.

In addition to Barab, the conference will bring together prominent physicians, scientists, and safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos, representing the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Discussion will include current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally; facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases, and how to prevent them, and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. 

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004.   ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Doug Larkin                       
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

In 2010 we are doubling our efforts to push legislation forward that would ban asbestos in the United States once and for all. Our first formal effort of the year began earlier this month when we reached out to the White House, Senate and House in snowy Washington D.C.

Despite historic snowstorms that literally shut down D.C. in early February, we were able to make contact with key policy makers through a series of conference calls. Our discussions focused on legislation that would ban asbestos and the introduction of our annual asbestos awareness week resolution in both the House and the Senate. 

To the thousands of families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, I want you to know that Congress has heard your voice and read your letters – thanks to the advocacy and efforts of thousands!

In educational discussions, ADAO continues to highlight the irrefutable facts that the WHO, EPA and U.S. Surgeon General confirm, “Asbestos is a carcinogen and there is no safe levels of exposure.”  We must prevent exposure and fund research to eliminate diseases. 

On behalf of ADAO and you, we owe Senator Baucus and Representative Cohen our gratitude for carrying the “Asbestos Awareness Week” Resolution designating April 1 – 7 a week of awareness. 

Many thanks to those who make our work possible including our network of experts, community, and sponsors; thanks also to Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson, for joining us on this special trip to The Hill.

In unity,

Linda Reinstein

SIXTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS CONFERENCE

Educate, Raise Awareness, Inspire, Take Action

January 28, 2010 REDONDO BEACH, CA – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will host its 6th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference in Chicago, IL, on Saturday, April 10, 2010, with activities throughout the weekend. The international conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees, and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO’s continuing effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use, and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options. Prominent physicians, scientists, and safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos representing the United States, Canada, England, Brazil, and Germany will present current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally. Discussion will include facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases and how to prevent them, and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. 

Linda Reinstein, executive director and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, knows first hand the pain that can result from asbestos exposure and the impact it has on families. Reinstein lost her husband Alan to asbestos exposure in 2006 and is passionate and committed to raise awareness of asbestos-related diseases and encourage action to prevent families from going through the anguish of losing a loved one due to asbestos exposure. Reinstein has taken ADAO’s message of unity in action to many other countries and has represented the organization at landmark asbestos conferences in Tokyo, Bangkok, London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong. This year, Reinstein will bring ADAO’s conference to Chicago.

The weekend will provide information and inspiration for those impacted by asbestos-related disease as well as others who advocate for safe environments. There will be a private gathering for family, patients, and caregivers on the evening of April 9 followed by a welcome reception for all registered participants. Our special guest will be entertainer Jordan Zevon whose father, rock musician Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma caused from asbestos exposure. There will also be a recognition segment to the April 10 conference to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional service to enhance asbestos awareness. In addition, the Unity and Hope Brunch on April 11 will honor and remember loved ones lost to asbestos disease, as well as show support for those still suffering . 

WHAT:            ADAO’s 6^th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference

Global Mission: Call to Action to Prevent, Detect and Treat Asbestos-Related Diseases

Science and Technology Prove Asbestos is a Carcinogen

 April 9 – 11, Asbestos Awareness Conference in Chicago, Illinois

SCHEDULED EVENTS:

Friday, April 9, 5 – 6 p.m.: Private Gathering for families, patients and caregivers

Friday, April 9, 7 – 9 p.m.: Evening Reception with entertainer Jordan Zevon

Saturday, April 10, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Conference

Sunday, April 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Unity and Hope Brunch

WHERE:         Marriott Renaissance Hotel, 1 Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 

WHY:               To share information and provide support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases, including survivors, families, and physicians. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health directors, and survivors will present current and up-to-date information regarding the status of asbestos in the United States and worldwide. 

WHO:              Brad Black, M.D., medical director, Center for Asbestos Related Disease; Barry Castleman, ScD, environmental consultant; Jeff Camplin, CSP, CPEA; Sean Fitzgerald, PG; Arthur Frank, M.D., Ph.D., chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Drexel University’s School of Public Health; Patrick Gerkin, Ph.D., assistant professor, Grand Valley State University; Fernanda Giannasi, ABREA; Michael Harbut, M.D., MPH, FCCP, co-director, National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers, Karmanos Cancer Institute; Tanis Hernandez, LCSW, Center of Asbestos Related Disease; Laurie Kazan-Allen, founder and coordinator, IBAS; Hedy Lee Kindler, M.D., University of Chicago, and president, International Mesothelioma Interest Group; Richard Lemen, Ph.D., MSPH, former Assistant Surgeon General; Terry Lynch, International Vice President, Insulators Union; The Honorable Patrick Martin, member, Canadian Parliament; Linda Reinstein, executive director and co-founder, ADAO; Kimberly Rowse, RN, Center for Asbestos Related Disease; Jordan Summer, musician; James Webber, Ph.D., research scientist, Wadsworth Center; Jordan Zevon, ADAO national spokesman and musician.

In addition, six individuals will be recognized for their tireless work to raise awareness of asbestos

exposure. They are:

• The Honorable Richard Durbin, United States Senator will receive the Tribute of Hope Award
• Dr. Hedy Kindler will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
• Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), Libby, MT, will receive the Tribute of Unity Award
• Fernanda Giannasi will be honored with the Tribute of Inspiration Award
• Honoree to be announced, the Warren Zevon “Keep me in Your Heart” Memorial Tribute
• June Breit will be honored posthumously with The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award

HOW:              Registration for the April 10 conference includes lunch and the April 9 evening reception. Cost is $150 for survivors, caregivers, families, and students. Cost for physicians and healthcare professionals is $300 each.

                        Cost for the Remembrance Brunch on April 11 is an additional $25 for those attending the conference, and $50 for non-conference guests.

Registration is limited. To reserve your registration or for more information go to www.adao.us. Please note that parking fees are not included in registration fees.

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin, and asbestos victims and their families in 2004, seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent non-profit organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org

About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan’s most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org

About International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS)

The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), established in 2000, provides a conduit for the exchange of information between groups and individuals working to achieve a global asbestos ban and seeking to alleviate the damage caused by widespread asbestos use. Such use may be largely historical in the established economies of the West but is continuing in developing nations. Since its inception, IBAS has been involved in co-sponsoring and supporting national and international conferences furthering the above aims. In so doing, IBAS has sought to counter the asbestos industry’s control of the information stream and provide a platform for victims to speak out against the injustices they have suffered. Through its coordinator, Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS channels the views of a global network of victims’ groups, medical and legal professionals and concerned individuals. IBAS has a continuing role in raising public awareness of asbestos hazards and providing informed comment on current developments.

 ###

 MEDIA CONTACTS:

Asbestos Disease Awareness Association                       Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Doug Larkin, 202.391.1546 or                                                         Patricia A. Ellis, 313.576.8629 or

doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org                                          ellisp@karmanos.org

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Announces New Staff and Program for 2010

New Website Strengthens ADAO’s Ability to Educate, Advocate and Build Global Connections  

Redondo Beach, CA … January 26, 2010 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today announces the launch of major initiatives to meet the multiple challenges posed by the organization’s rapid expansion of membership and workload. In January, ADAO hired co-founder Linda Reinstein as the non-profit’s first Chief Executive Officer. She is joined by ADAO’s new Director of Development, Jessica Like. This year Reinstein and Like, in concert with volunteer staff, will grow ADAO’s operation and scope, including the release of ADAO’s redesigned website (www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org), which features an interactive forum to unite asbestos victims, family members, and concerned citizens.

Reinstein brings a 25-year history of non-profit organizational leadership to ADAO; throughout her career she has maintained an active interest in the building and sustainability of grassroots activism and leverages the power of technology. Her experience includes civic administrative roles in the Los Angeles area and executive volunteer positions that focused on cancer awareness and research funding. Motivated by her late husband’s diagnosis of mesothelioma, Reinstein was compelled to create an organization to educate and support victims of asbestos-related diseases. In March 2004, she co-founded ADAO with Doug Larkin. Since then, she has served as a volunteer advocate for asbestos victims’ rights and an international spokesperson for education to fuel enhanced treatment options, a cure for asbestos disease and a ban on asbestos. In her new role Reinstein will put her decades of experience to work to strengthen and expand ADAO’s global mission.

Commenting on her new position, Reinstein expressed her gratitude “to the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to grow ADAO into the largest national non-profit organization advocating for asbestos reform over the past six years. This marks an important milestone for ADAO as it transitions from an all-volunteer effort to a partially staffed organization. Our volunteers, who remain the backbone of our organization, are proud of ADAO and recognize the progress made by our victim and scientific communities to serve as a voice for change across the nation and around the world.”

ADAO’s expansion will bring a new level of influence and increased capacity to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos. ADAO’s first Director of Development, Like, has several years of non-profit experience including work to raise asbestos awareness and launch research projects to improve medical treatments for patients with asbestos-related diseases at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. She brings with her both a deep compassion for all asbestos victims and an ability to help ADAO grow strategically and sustainably.  With ADAO’s staffing and technological growth, the organization looks forward to maximizing its impact in the short and long-term.

Upcoming events in 2010 include the 6^th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference which will recognize the impact that numerous advocates have had on asbestos reform, such as The Honorable Richard Durbin, United States Senator; Dr. Hedy Kindler, Director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago’s Medical Center; and the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), in Libby, MT. The annual conference brings together hundreds of influential leaders and experts to discuss the battle against asbestos exposure. Sponsorship and tickets to the Chicago conference from April 9-11, 2010 are still available. Support at every level is needed in order to get closer to a full asbestos ban, raise awareness, and support research. For more information on this international conference and videos of past conferences, please visit:

www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/events/conference.html

# # #

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004.   ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact:

Doug Larkin

Director of Communications

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Phone: (202) 391-1546

doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Our ADAO Volunteers welcome you to the new ADAO!

As this New Year and new decade begins, we find ourselves reflecting on ADAO’s extraordinary accomplishments over the last six years. ADAO was borne out of the pain and anger of personal tragedy.   And now, thanks to you, ADAO has become the largest non-profit advocating for asbestos reform in the United States, achieved completely as a volunteer organization.

Today, ADAO announced the launch of major initiatives to meet the multiple challenges posed by the organization’s rapid expansion of membership and workload via our 1.26.2010 press release and January eNewletter.

Our website has numerous new features, such as:

1. Connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
2. Easy access to our Video Library
3. New “Share Your Story” platform that enables ADAO to share your story in Washington, DC or at conferences
4. Expanded Educational Resources which include: “Publications, Reports and Fact Sheets”

As we dive into 2010, our optimism is renewed by these milestones, and we remain motivated by our unwavering belief that, by continuing our work together, we will create positive change.

In unity and hope,

Linda Reinstein, CEO and Co-Founder   Doug Larkin, Director of Communications and Co-Founder