Posted on August 17, 2017
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 2016. As a leader in social media advocacy, we are on the front lines working to end the asbestos man-made 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 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Some of our biggest highlights of the year include: presenting at several conferences around the world spanning from London to Australia, hosting our 9th and 10th Congressional Staff Briefings, attending President Obama’s White House signing ceremony for the 2016 Toxic Substances Awareness Act (TSCA) reforms, participating as a stakeholder in many legislative discussions, being a resource for the media, publishing over 200 “Share Your Stories,” coordinating Global Asbestos Awareness Week, and hosting our 12th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference.
Every accomplishment ADAO achieved in 2016 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 reflects the growth and progress made around the world in this issue area. We look forward to continued shared success throughout 2017 and beyond.
2016 Educational Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ADAO:
- Distributed 12 monthly and 2 special edition eNewsletters with recent asbestos-related news and events to a global audience
- Hosted ADAO’s 3-day 12th 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
- Held our 9th and 10th Congressional Staff Briefings: “Asbestos: Impact on Consumer Safety, Public Health, and Asbestos Victims’ Civil Rights”
- Commissioned three exclusive political cartoons to raise awareness and advocate for asbestos to be banned under the newly reformed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- Boosted asbestos awareness and raised funds with “Lawyers, Guns, and Photographs,” a Warren Zevon tribute concert and photography exhibit featuring members of Zevon’s touring band
- 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
- Hosted multiple lively #ENDMeso Twitter chats to maintain a constant conversation on social media and promote sharing education
2016 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 12th Annual Resolution, which designated April 1-7, 2015 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
- Championed the 5th U.S. Surgeon General’s Asbestos Awareness Week warning statement
- Quoted as an expert resource in publications in MEDIA
- Became a regular contributor to the Huffington Post
- Published numerous Op-Eds in The Hill and Roll Call
- Collaborated with health and safety influencers and leaders with guest blogs raise asbestos awareness and action
2016 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. The 2016 proceeds clocked in at a record breaking
- Created the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s Impact from 2005 – 2015 infographic
- Published numerous video and blog interviews with mesothelioma patients and experts
ADAO 2016 Presentations:
“The Fight to Ban Asbestos in the United States,” ASEA’s Asbestos Safety and Eradication Conference, November 14, 2016
“Harnessing the Power of Social Media Advocacy” São Paolo, Brazil, October 6, 2016
“The Fight to Ban Asbestos in the United States” Brazil’s International Seminar on Asbestos: A Socio-Legal Approach, October 6, 2016
“TSCA Implementation: Prioritizing Asbestos to Protect Public Health and the Environment” 10th ADAO US Senate Staff Briefing, September 13, 2016
“Challenges and Progress in Prevention Asbestos Exposure” UK’s Action Mesothelioma Day, July 1, 2016
“Asbestos: The Human Cost of Inaction” The Global Health & Innovation Conference (#GHIC) at Yale University, April 16, 2016
“Asbestos: From Our Homes to The Hill” Environmental Information Association Conference, March 8, 2016
“Protecting Public Health, the Environment, and Asbestos Victims Civil Rights” 9th ADAO Senate Staff Briefing, February 23, 2016