FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Posted on August 24, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community initiatives, is proud to announce the performers, keynote speakers and honorees for its 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, “Asbestos: Awareness, Prevention, and the Law,” to be held September 25–26, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

“Twenty-one years ago, we set out with a single goal: to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate all asbestos-caused diseases,” said Linda Reinstein, President and Co-founder of ADAO. “Every honoree we recognize this year has helped move that goal forward, through science, through policy, through art, and through the courage to transform their personal loss into public action. Prevention remains the only cure for asbestos-caused disease, and we will only get there when we work together to make it possible.”

Performers:

  • Friday “Under the Stars” Event: Jordan Zevon, Jordan Summers, and Matt Cartsonis  

Keynote speakers:

  • Dan Whu, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAMA, Chief Medical Officer of the International Association of Fire Fighters, will speak Saturday, September 26 at the academic conference.
  • Julie Gundlach, a mesothelioma survivor and longtime asbestos-ban advocate, will give remarks Saturday, September 26 at the Candle Lighting Virtual Vigil. 

Honorees:

Eight individuals and organizations will be recognized for their contributions to preventing asbestos exposure and advancing public health at an awards ceremony that follows the academic conference. They include:

  • John M. Dement, PhD, and Michael Crane, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health and of the World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence at Mount Sinai – Recipients of the Dr. Irving Selikoff Award for their exceptional contributions to scientific research, occupational health, and public health efforts to prevent asbestos exposure and disease.
  • Jordan Summers – Recipient of the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Award for using his creative voice to raise awareness, preserve the stories of those affected, and inspire hope.
  • Mesothelioma UK (Meso UK) – Recipient of the Tribute of Hope Award for its public service and policy work that offers hope for a future free of asbestos-related diseases.
  • 9/11 Health Watch – Recipient of the Tribute of Inspiration Award for its dedication, leadership, and achievements that inspire action and meaningful change.
  • Miles for Mesothelioma (Miles for Meso) – Recipient of the Tribute of Unity Award for its collaborative leadership that brings people together to advance prevention, education, and public health.
  • Libby Brow and Penny Jo Major – Recipients of the Alan Reinstein Tribute Award for their courage, advocacy, and commitment to advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, and policy.

ADAO will also recognize the sponsors of the 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, whose support makes the educational event possible:

For more information about the honorees or to register for the conference, visit adaoconferences.org.

About ADAO

Founded in 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is the largest independent nonprofit in the United States dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating all asbestos-caused diseases through education, advocacy, and community.