ADAO 2015 Mid-Year Summary of Accomplishments
Every accomplishment ADAO achieved in 2015 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 be significant and we eagerly look forward to even greater success in 2016.
2015 Education Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO:
- Distributed 6 monthly and 1 special edition eNewsletters with recent asbestos-related news and events to over 4,500 contacts.
- Hosted ADAO’s 3-day 11th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference: “Where Knowledge and Action Unite,” which brought together nearly 40 expert speakers and over 100 patients, physicians, researchers, educators, and public health advocates from 9 countries to discuss updates on the prevention, detection, and treatment of asbestos-related disease and global advocacy for an asbestos ban.
- Scheduled to hold our 8th Congressional Staff Briefing: “Asbestos: Impact on Consumer Safety, Public Health, and Asbestos Victims’ Civil Rights.”
- Created the “Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.” Campaign to raise asbestos awareness by featuring asbestos information and educational resources, and highlighting helpful organizations.
- 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.
- Established a 7-person Prevention Advisory Board (PAB) to serve as expert resources for questions regarding asbestos prevention and abatement from individuals, politicians, publications, government websites, or other social non-profits.
2015 Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use and the mining and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:
- Supported the U.S. Senate’s passage of the 11th Annual Resolution, which designated April 1-7, 2015 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.”
- Partnered with various national and international organizations to speak out against asbestos use and promote public health.
- Served as a media resource and/or quoted in The Hill, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Green Divas Podcast.
- Quoted as an expert resource in publications by The Center for Public Integrity, The Hill, and The Guardian.
- Published numerous blogs to expose international instances of occupational safety and workers’ health violations and spark opposition to the continued mining, exportation, and use of asbestos.
2015 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 and socially shared nearly 150 “Share Your Story” submissions from patients and families from 38 states and 8 nations who have been devastated by asbestos-related disease. We are still seeking asbestos victims’ stories from DE , HI, KS, ME, MS, ND, OK, RI, SD, UT, VA, WY.
- Sponsored Earl Dotter’s travelling photographic exhibit, “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers,” at numerous educational and occupational health conferences.
- 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, vent, or obtain information.
- Designated as the beneficiary for the “Miles for Meso” Mesothelioma Awareness Day event.
- Created the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s Impact from 2005 – 2015 infographic.
- Published numerous video and blog interviews with mesothelioma patients and experts.
ADAO 2015 Presentations:
“Global Asbestos Challenges and Progress in the 21st Century,” World Congress, Karachi, Pakistan, January 31, 2015 (ADAO sponsored this event)
“Asbestos: The Human Cost of Inaction,” Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY), Verona, NY, February 26, 2015
“Asbestos: Still Legal. Still Everywhere,” EWG Congressional Briefing, Washington, D.C., March 10, 2015
Statement from Linda Reinstein for Senators Barbara Boxer and Ed Markey’s Press Conference March 17, 2015
“Where Knowledge and Action Unite,” ADAO 11th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, Washington, D.C., April 18, 2015
Prepared Remarks by Linda Reinstein for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations’ Earl Dotter photography exhibit ‘Badges, A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers April 27, 2015
The Fight against Asbestos and Mesothelioma: The Human Cost of Inaction,” 5th International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Santa Monica, CA, May 2, 2015
“Asbestos: Shattered Lives and Broken Dreams,” European Asbestos Forum, Amsterdam, Netherlands, May 27, 2015 (ADAO sponsored this event)
“The Human Cost of Inaction,” European Asbestos Forum, Amsterdam, Netherlands, May 27, 2015 (ADAO sponsored this event)
“OSH Perils Workers Face without an Asbestos Ban,” National Council for Occupational Safety and Health National Conference, Baltimore, MD, June 2 – 4, 2015
Mesothelioma Action Day, London, England, July 3, 2015
