Posted on December 1, 2012
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 its reach and education, advocacy, and community impact in 2012. With more than 20,000 people in its network, ADAO took its voice to the front lines to influence global policy, advocate for an asbestos ban, and promote research. 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 its credibility as a leader in its field by establishing its presence on Wikipedia and presenting at Yale University, the “International Day for Asbestos Victims” Conference in Paris, and the United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil. Our growth in 2012 has been significant and we eagerly look forward to even greater success in 2013.
2012 Education Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, ADAO:
- Published “Asbestos: Still Legal and Lethal in North America” in the Women and Environments International (WEI) Magazine’s Spring/Summer 2012 edition
- Distribute monthly eNewsletters with up-to-date asbestos-related events and news to over 3,500 contacts
- Hosted ADAO’s 3-day 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, which brought together more than 125 world-renowned patients, physicians, researchers, educators, and public health advocates to discuss updates on the prevention, detection, treatment, and global advocacy of asbestos-related disease
- Continually updated ADAO’s website, which highlights asbestos-related news and events and houses extensive educational resources, including an Asbestos Video Library of conference videos and educational presentations
- Presented at numerous international conferences and events, including:
- Miles for Meso Race: Boca Raton, FL (February 2012)
- Yale University’s Global Health & Innovation Conference: New Haven, CT (April 2012)
- United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 2012)
- French National Association of Asbestos Victims’ (ANDEVA) “International Day of Asbestos Victims” Conference: Paris, France (October 2012)
- American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 140th Annual Meeting & Exposition: San Francisco, CA (October 2012) (2012) (2011) (2010) (2009)
- Collaborated with the Canadian Voice of Asbestos Victims to create and promote the North American Declaration for the Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases petition, which calls for an end to asbestos use. The petition will be submitted to U.S. President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Harper, and the United Nations for review.
- Supported the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Eight Annual Resolution, which designated April 1-7, 2012 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
- Partnered with various national and international organizations to speak out against asbestos use and promote public health
- Advised Senate leadership on S. 847 “Safe Chemicals Act of 2011”
- Frequently published blogs to expose international instances of occupational safety and workers’ health violations and spark opposition to the continued mining, exportation, and use of asbestos
- Hosted a U.S. Senate staff briefing (January 2012)
- Hosted a U.S. House of Representatives staff briefing (July 2012)
2012 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 frequent “Share Your Story” blogs through its website and social media platforms. Shared by victims and their families, these stories honor individuals whose lives have been devastated by asbestos-related disease.
- Hosted several 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