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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2025

HONOREES AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CONFERENCE

The Annual Conference “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention and Justice” will be held in New York City, September 12-13, 2025.

New York, N.Y. — 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 honorees and keynote speakers for its 20th Anniversary International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention and Justice” to be held on September 12-13, 2025 in New York City.

During the awards ceremony following the academic conference, ADAO will recognize ten distinguished organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions to preventing asbestos exposure and advocating for public health.

Keynote Speakers include:

  • Friday, September 12th – John Feal, Founder of The Fealgood Foundation, 
  • Saturday, September 13th – The Honorable Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member for the 6th District

Honorees include:

  • Danny Goldberg – Recipient of the Warren Zevon “Keep Me in Your Heart” Award for using art or personal stories to honor loved ones, raise awareness, and connect hearts to action. 
  • Claudia Henschke, PhD, MD, David Yankelevitz, MD, and Brad Black, MD – Recipients of the Dr. Irving Selikoff Award for their tireless dedication to prevention efforts aimed at asbestos harm and improving treatment and care.
  • Greg Russell – Recipient of the Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment to awareness, prevention, and policy to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.​
  • Uniformed Firefighters Association and Uniformed Fire Officers Association – Recipients of the Tribute of Unity Award for their unwavering commitment to unite people across communities and disciplines to advance asbestos awareness, prevention, and justice through collaboration and a shared mission.
  • United Federation of Teachers – Recipient of the Tribute of Inspiration Award for inspiring others through strength, courage, or vision to take action in the fight against asbestos-related diseases.
  • John Feal and Karen Grant – Recipients of the Alan Reinstein Award for transforming personal tragedy into life-saving advocacy, and advancing justice and public health.

“For more than two decades, we have been dedicated to a single goal: to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate all asbestos-caused diseases,” said Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of ADAO. “As we continue this fight, we pause to step back and honor those who have shown extraordinary dedication and courage to our cause. Our success is only possible because of the allies and experts who have united to advance policy, advocacy, and prevention efforts. We will only achieve a future free from asbestos-related diseases when we work together,” she concluded.

ADAO will also recognize the sponsors of the 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 adaoconference.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.