Posted on December 27, 2022
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 2022. 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 2022 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 2023 and beyond.
2022 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Year in Review
2022 Educational Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO successfully:
- Hosted the hybrid 17th Annual Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference and “Asbestos: Art, Advocacy, and Action” Festival in Atlanta, GA and virtually for worldwide participants. The hybrid model always allows us to lower the barrier to accessing the lifesaving information shared at our conference.
- Distributed 12 monthly eNewsletters with the latest asbestos-related news and events to a global audience
- Held our 17th Congressional Staff Briefing: “Impact of Asbestos on Public Health, Environment, and Economy”
- Participated in 2022 November Lung Cancer Awareness Month: ADAO is Raising Asbestos Awareness and Prevention with Every Breath
- Organized 2022 October Health Literacy Month 4-Part Blog Series
- 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
- Shared asbestos & mesothelioma facts, resources, and hosted community events during September Mesothelioma Awareness Month
- Flew a flag over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in honor of Mesothelioma Warriors on Mesothelioma Awareness Day
2022 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) of 2022
- 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:
- Continuing ADAO’s Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference Virtual Art Festival: “Asbestos: Art, Advocacy, and Action” on September 16th, 2022
- Introducing ADAO’s New Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference Virtual Film Festival: “Art, Advocacy, and Shared Stories” on September 17, 2021
2022 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
- Honored and uplifted those we lost and those who are fighting through our 2021 – 2022 Mesothelioma Warrior Candle Lighting Tradition, which continues on December 28 and January 4
- 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 on asbestos exposure, prevention, and current policy
ADAO 2022 Presentations:
- February 4, 2022: Less Cancer’s National Cancer Prevention Day Workshop
- 2022 American University Washington College of Law: “Asbestos: Drafting Legislation During Tumultuous Times”
- April 8, 2022: OSH Africa Global Asbestos Awareness Week Webinar
- August 26, 2022: Community Meeting in Louisiana re: Chlor-Alkali Plants and Asbestos Contamination