It has been a busy month here at ADAO and we are excited to share our progress and upcoming events with you!
On June 14th and 15th, leading stakeholders and experts, including the Olin Corporation, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), American Public Health Association (APHA), Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc. held 14 meetings with Congress members and staffers to emphasize the need for a complete ban on all forms and uses of asbestos.
Through this collaboration, organizations and advocates presented a strong, united front to support the passage of The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act. They encouraged individuals and communities to join the fight against asbestos by contacting their representatives and raising awareness about its dangers. We were grateful to have the Olin Corporation, who once was a large importer and user of asbestos diaphragms and is now a welcomed ally in this fight, join us for these meetings. We know we can get bipartisan support for this comprehensive and necessary bill.
Mark your calendars! Get ready for our upcoming conference, the 18th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, "Exploring the Intersection of Art, Advocacy, and Academia." Join us online or in person on September 9, 2023, in Washington, D.C. We're excited to connect with everyone and share valuable insights on asbestos prevention, through advocacy, education, and community! Save the date and be a part of this enlightening event. Registration opens July 15th.
Lace-up those sneakers! Don't miss out on our 15th annual Miles for Meso race on Saturday, September 23rd. This annual gathering is a highlight for the Mesothelioma Warrior community, promoting unity and wellness. Whether you choose to participate virtually from your own neighborhood or join us in person in Alton, IL, we're thrilled to have your support for this special event. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #MilesForMeso. Proceeds from this race benefit ADAO.
We are delighted to announce that the 18th ADAO congressional staff briefing is in the works! Keep an eye out for further updates on this exciting event where members of Congress will be educated on the immediate need for a complete asbestos ban. We are always grateful when our voices are heard directly on the Hill.
Today ADAO released a statement expressing our deep disappointment regarding the verdict reached in the BNSF v. CARD case in Libby, Montana. Now is not the time to be punishing asbestos victims. The focus should be on holding corporations like BNSF accountable.
Lastly, Earl Dotter and I had the opportunity to visit the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) Clinic in Libby, MT this month. We learned about the town's history, the ongoing cleanup efforts, and the profound impact of asbestos exposure on the residents. Despite a tragic past, the resilient community of Libby has continued to move forward with determination and optimism.
We can’t wait to continue our good work this summer!
Together, we can make a difference.
Linda Reinstein
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