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As we step into May, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come — and how far we must still go — in our shared fight for asbestos prevention, policy reform, and global change.
April was a powerful month of action—one that reverberated not only across the nation but around the globe. Just hours before this eNewsletter was published, I learned that the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to cut its budget by $300 million for fiscal year 2026, reduce staffing to 1980s levels, and dissolve its research and development office as part of a sweeping overhaul. In light of these alarming changes, ADAO’s prevention and policy work has never been more vital.
The Senate unanimously passed the 20th National Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution (April 1–7). This annual week of education and advocacy helps us break down barriers to life-saving resources, experts, and information. Every day, we share science-based content about the dangers of asbestos and how to prevent exposure — now available in multiple languages. This week builds our global community, so no one ever feels alone when facing an asbestos-related disease.
During Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW), we celebrated major milestones with our expanded materials and Partners for Prevention. In response to popular demand, we extended GAAW into a month-long campaign — amplifying awareness and action across borders. Read more in Thank You for Making Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025 a Success.
As a leader in evidence-based advocacy, ADAO remains steadfast in our mission to educate, raise awareness, and drive policy change to eliminate asbestos-related diseases worldwide.
Looking ahead, please save the date for ADAO’s 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, to be held in New York City, September 12–13, 2025. This milestone event will honor Dr. Irving Selikoff’s groundbreaking 1964 legacy while advancing today’s urgent efforts in prevention, treatment, and policy. Our 2025 conference will serve as a living compendium — connecting science, prevention, and policy for today and the future.
Planned events include:
- A Candlelight Vigil at the World Trade Center Memorial
- Our Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference
- The Awards and Recognition Dinner, honoring leaders in prevention and justice
We’re also thrilled to share that legendary musician and Mesothelioma Warrior Warren Zevon will be posthumously inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Through the tireless advocacy of his son, Jordan Zevon, and ADAO, Warren’s voice continues to inspire action to prevent asbestos exposure and save lives. His brilliant work lives on — today, tomorrow, and forever.
As part of our expanding digital tools, read more in Breaking Barriers: ADAO’s Chatbot Delivers Trusted Asbestos Answers Worldwide. Stay tuned for our upcoming integration of YouTube videos into the chatbot experience. Because knowledge is power.
We also continue to report on urgent risks at home. Our blog, Legacy Asbestos Threatens Disaster Recovery: Altadena and Palisades Communities Confront Delays and Health Risks After Devastating Wildfires, outlines how legacy contamination is slowing community recovery efforts — and why stronger policy protections are essential.
Last month, we stood in solidarity with the global community to honor International Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28). We remember the lives lost to preventable workplace exposures — including asbestos — and recommit ourselves to protecting workers everywhere. As we say together: Mourn the dead. Fight for the living.
Our work is made possible by the generosity of donors and sponsors. We are deeply grateful to our Platinum Sponsors: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP, Gold Sponsors: The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC and Silver Sponsor Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen.
Onward. Together.
With deep appreciation,
Linda Reinstein
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