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2017 Year-In-Review

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2015 Year-In-Review 

2014 Year-In-Review   

2013 Year-In-Review

2012 Year-In-Review

2011 Year-In-Review

2010 Year-In-Review

Posted on November 22, 2017

ADAO MissionThe 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 2017. As a leader in social media advocacy, we are on the front lines working to end the man-made asbestos disasters on many levels.  ADAO further strengthened its network of victims, physicians, researchers, public health practitioners, and labor union members by utilizing social media platforms such as FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and YouTube.

Some of our biggest highlights of the year include: presenting at several conferences around the world spanning from Singapore to Detroit, hosting our 11th and 12th Congressional Staff Briefings, participating as a stakeholder in many legislative discussions, being a resource for the media, expanding our  “Share Your Story” collection to over 200 stories, coordinating Global Asbestos Awareness Week, and hosting our 13th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. 

Every accomplishment ADAO achieved in 2017 was 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 2018 and beyond.

2017 Educational Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO:

2017 Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use, mining, and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:

  • Ensured the passage of U.S. Senate’s 13th Annual Resolution, which designated April 1-7, 2017 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
  • Quoted as an expert resource in publications 
  • Served as a regular contributor to the Huffington Post
  • Published numerous Op-Eds in The Hill
  • Collaborated with health and safety influencers and leaders with guest blogs to raise asbestos awareness and action

2017 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
  • Published and shared more than 200 “Share Your Story” submissions from patients and families from across the globe who have been devastated by asbestos-related disease
  • Sponsored the third rendition of Earl Dotter’s traveling photographic exhibit, “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers,” this year featuring TSCA Champion Sen. Barbara Boxer
  • Hosted more than 3 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, connect, or access information
  • Continued the virtual running team for “Miles for Meso” Mesothelioma Awareness Day and was designated the beneficiary of the event
  • Published numerous video and blog interviews with mesothelioma patients and experts

ADAO 2017 Presentations :
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Canberra, Australia, November 26 – 28, 2017
“Asbestos: TSCA Progress and Pushback in a Changing Political Climate,” American Public Health Association’s 4th Annual Meeting and Exposition, November 8, 2017  
“Progress and Challenges in Changing Political Times,” Women’s Convention, Detroit, MI, October 28, 2017USC Annenberg: Investigative Reporting, University of Southern California, CA, October 23, 2017
“TSCA and Asbestos: Protecting Public Health and the Environment” 12th ADAO US Senate Staff Briefing, September 27, 2017
“U.S. Experience in Prevention and Control of Occupational Cancers,” XXI United Nations’ World Congress on Health and Safety, Singapore, September 4, 2017
“Asbestos: Spies, Lies, and Propaganda,” Mesothelioma Action Day, London, United Kingdom, July 7, 2017
“Harnessing the Power of Digital Storytelling,” at the 2017 Nonprofit Technology Conference, Washington, DC, March 23, 2017
“Continued Asbestos Use Perpetuates a Century of Environmental (In)Justice,” The Global Health and Innovation Conference, Yale University, CT, April 22, 2017
Money, Power, and Politics, American University Law School, Washington, DC
“Environmental Health Work,” Swarthmore College, February 3, 2017
Less Cancer’s National Cancer Prevention Day,  February 2, 2017