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Senate Passes National Mesothelioma Awareness Day Resolution—13 More Co–Sponsors Needed to Pass House of Representatives
October 7, 2009 — Many Americans are unaware of the impact mesothelioma has on thousands of individuals across the nation every year. Through the efforts of Sen. Patty Murray, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF or Meso Foundation), and other supporters in the mesothelioma community, the Senate has passed the “National Mesothelioma Awareness Day Resolution” to help bring awareness to the public of this devastating asbestos disease. Sen. Murray, instrumental in introducing the resolution into the senate, stated:
“The dangers of asbestos went unrecognized for far too long, with tragic results for so many workers and families across the country who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos–related diseases ... ‘National Mesothelioma Awareness Day’ is an opportunity to raise awareness of efforts to treat this deadly disease and support the victims and their families.”
More work remains to be done to bring mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos to the forefront of American consciousness. In conjunction with the Mesothelioma Awareness Day resolution introduced into the Senate, Rep. Betty McCullum introduced National Mesothelioma Awareness Day (H.Res 771) into the House of Representatives. The resolution needs 25 co–sponsors. To date, 12 representatives are committed to its support, 13 more are still needed. If you would like to help, the Meso Foundation’s Action Center provides an easy way to email your representative asking them to support the Mesothelioma Awareness resolution.
The Meso Foundation – Raising Awareness on Mesothelioma’s Deadly Impact
For the past four years, the Meso Foundation has sponsored Mesothelioma Awareness Day held each year in September. The Meso Foundation is a non–profit organization committed to funding mesothelioma research to find a cure, and provides support and education for mesothelioma patients and their families. They actively advocate for a national commitment to end the tragedy that mesothelioma brings to the lives of those affected by the disease. Chris Hahn, Executive Director of the Meso Foundation, applauded the work of Sen. Murray and Rep. McCullum, stating:
“Thanks to the concern of Senator Murray and Congresswoman McCollum, and their introduction of the federal ‘National Mesothelioma Awareness Day’ resolution, we hope that mesothelioma will finally become part of a broad national conversation about its tragic impact on our society and the critical need to fund research to develop treatments and, ultimately, find a cure for mesothelioma.”
Asbestos – Still a Threat to American Workers
Asbestos has still not been banned in the United States. Sen. Murray is one of the leading
advocates in banning the use of asbestos entirely. Rep. McCollum, who has been involved in the movement
to ban asbestos for the last five years, said, “Too many Americans don’t know that asbestos exposure remains
a problem.
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Asbestos, widely used during the last century in many building products, automotive parts, boilers—any place where high temperatures might result in fires and other heat damage—is still prevalent in the U.S. Not only are these products still present in some old buildings, industry sites, and other areas, but products containing asbestos are still used in the automotive and other industries posing a health threat to many Americans.
Legal Help for Those Facing the Crisis of Mesothelioma
Brayton Purcell has been assisting mesothelioma victims and their families for over 25 years, and applauds the Senate’s passing of the National Mesothelioma Awareness Day Resolution. Through our efforts on behalf of our clients, we are well aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure and support the Meso Foundation in its efforts to provide advocacy and support to those suffering from this deadly asbestos disease and their families. Contact us at www.braytonlaw.com for additional information or assistance.
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