Posted on December 31, 2021
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, is pleased to share a Year-End Summary of Accomplishments, including our education, advocacy, and community impact in 2021. As a leader in public health advocacy, we are on the front lines working to end the man-made asbestos disaster on many levels.
Every accomplishment ADAO achieved in 2021 was made possible because of the generosity of the volunteers, sponsors, and donors who fuel our work and further our cause. The organization’s growth continues to reflect the development and progress made around the world in this issue area. We look forward to continued shared success throughout 2022 and beyond.
2021 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Year in Review
2021 Educational Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO successfully:
- Distributed 12 monthly eNewsletters with the latest asbestos-related news and events to a global audience
- Held our 16th Congressional Staff Briefing: “Impact of Asbestos on Public Health, Environment, and Economy”
- 2021 November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: ADAO is Raising Asbestos Awareness and Prevention with Every Breath
- Continually updated ADAO’s website highlighting asbestos-related news and events and housing extensive educational resources, including an Asbestos Video Library of conference videos and educational presentations
- Expanded our network of physicians, researchers, public health practitioners, labor union members, and asbestos victims by conducting extensive online outreach campaigns on a variety of social media platforms
- September Mesothelioma Awareness Month: During the month, ADAO shared asbestos & mesothelioma facts, resources, and community events
- Flew a flag over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in honor of Mesothelioma Warriors on Mesothelioma Awareness Day
- Hosted 5 Virtual Events:
- ADAO 8th Zoom Conversation with Bill Couzen, Less Cancer Founder
- ADAO’s 9th Zoom Conversation with Asbestos Experts Was An International Success!
- ADAO’s 10th Zoom Conversation with Celeste Monforton and Mark Caitlin Was A Roaring Success!
- ADAO’s 11th Zoom Conversation Discussed The Global Asbestos Fight for Human Rights and Justice in Brazil, India, Italy, and the USA with Barry Castleman, ScD; Gopal Krishna, PhD; Silvana Mossano, and Linda Reinstein
- ADAO’s 16th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Live Streaming Conference was a Roaring Success!
- 16th Congressional Staff Briefing on August 18 at 12pm ET with Ten Experts to Discuss New Asbestos Information and Studies
2021 Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use, mining, and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:
- Worked with lawmakers to advance the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of (ARBAN)
- ADAO and Other Leading Public Health Organizations Reached Two Landmark Settlements with EPA to Strengthen Asbestos Risk Evaluation
- Expanded our art and advocacy efforts by collaborating with artists to promote advocacy:
2021 Community Initiatives: 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
- 2021 – 2022 Mesothelioma Warrior Candle Lighting Tradition Continues on December 28 and January 4
- FF5 Performed Live on Facebook to benefit ADAO
- Published and shared new “Share Your Story” submissions from patients and families from across the globe who have been devastated by 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, connect, or access information
ADAO 2021 Presentations:
- February 4, 2021: Less Cancer’s National Cancer Prevention Day Workshop
- May 7-9, 2021 iMig Virtual Conference: “Historical Review of US Asbestos Control Methods: Prevention and Policy to Eliminate Exposure”
- June 1, 2021, EPA Public Meeting: ADAO on the Frontline Fighting Corporate Asbestos Environmental Racism
- September 20-23, 2021 XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work: “USA Asbestos Retrospective 1970-2020: Consumption, Mortality, Policy, and Exposure Prevention in the 21st Century”
- 2021 American University Washington College of Law: “Asbestos: Drafting Legislation During Tumultuous Times”
- November 17-18: ADAO Discussed Asbestos- an Environmental Justice Issue at the White House Meeting