VOLUME 4 | ISSUE

Welcome to our April Newsletter! With Eid recently celebrated and the New Year observed across many parts of South Asia, we embrace the season of renewal and growth. As spring blooms across the U.S., we’re also witnessing shifts in government policies that impact public health. In this edition, we reflect on those committed to public health and the opportunities they bring, while staying committed to advocating for better health outcomes for our communities. 

We’re excited to share evidence of how South Asians are driving positive change across various spaces, from grassroots initiatives to impactful work in key public health areas affecting South Asian populations. Join us as we highlight the continued efforts to improve health outcomes and strengthen our communities.

Save the Date!

🎉 Two South Asian–Centered Events at APHA 2025! 🎉

Join us as we come together to celebrate, connect, and shape the future of South Asian public health!

📣 Don’t miss this powerful double feature!

🌟  Formal invitations and registration details coming soon. 🌟 

Recap! From Awareness to Action: Advancing Cancer Prevention in South Asian Communities

On April 9, 2025, SAPHA hosted a panel discussion titled “From Awareness to Action: Advancing Cancer Prevention in South Asian Communities.” This event, held during Cancer Control Month and National Public Health Week, brought together experts to address cancer disparities affecting South Asian populations.​

Panelists explored the prevalence of certain cancers—such as oral cavity, thyroid, and uterine cancers—in South Asian communities, and examined factors contributing to low screening and vaccination rates. They emphasized the need for culturally tailored interventions, community engagement, and education programs that address social determinants of health and mental health support.

✅ Head to our website for more – including the full recording!

🗣️ Nominate a Public Health Researcher for SAPHA's AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight!

  🌟 In honor of AAPI Heritage Month in May 2025, the SAPHA Research Committee aims to spotlight and elevate the research work and efforts of master's and doctoral students, as well as early career faculty and professionals, who are conducting public health-related research within South Asian communities.

We will feature selected researchers on our SAPHA social media channels, providing valuable visibility for your work within the public health community. 

SAPHA wants to feature you and your research for this initiat iv e if you fit the above criteria!

✅  Complete this form to nominate yourself or another public health researcher for this initiative!

🔜 Coming Soon: SAPHA's Caste-Based

Discrimination Toolkit!

Exciting news! 

Our Caste-Based Discrimination Toolkit is almost here, and we're putting the finishing touches on it for an official release at the end of this month!

Stay tuned for this essential resource to help raise awareness and drive change. Once it's live, you'll be able to find it on our website—ready to empower your advocacy efforts. 

👀 Keep an eye out! 

Organization Spotlight: India Home

India Home is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrant older adults in New York City through culturally competent services that foster community, dignity, and joy. 

Since 2007, India Home has empowered seniors across five centers with programs that include congregate and home-delivered meals, creative aging, health and wellness activities, case management, dementia respite care, housing, and advocacy. From garba and yoga classes to trips, language support, and civic engagement, India Home celebrates the vibrant diversity of immigrant elder experiences while tackling the challenges of aging with compassion and culturally rooted care. SAPHA recently partnered with India Home to recruit participants for the

CARE 2.0 Study . 

✅ Read more about SAPHA’s recruitment efforts with India Home here  

UCLA Health has launched a new South Asian Heart Program to address the higher risk of heart disease within this community. With South Asians being three to four times more likely to develop heart conditions at a younger age, this program offers tailored care, early diagnosis, and culturally sensitive treatment. 

The initiative aims to reduce cardiovascular risks through proactive, personalized health education and expert clinical care, ensuring a long-term approach to heart health in this high-risk group.

✅ Read more here!

In a heartfelt reflection, Shivani Mishra explores lessons on longevity, loss, and legacy from her late grandfather, Dr. Musafir Mishra. His life of service and sustainability offers profound insights into aging well—not just through diet or genes, but through meaningful connections, community, and purposeful living.

 Mishra emphasizes the importance of caregiving as a shared responsibility and the wisdom our elders pass down through lived experiences. As we face a growing aging population, this piece challenges us to rethink how we care for the elderly and the invaluable lessons they offer.

✅ Read the full reflection here

Disaster Preparedness with a Twist:

South Asian Voices in Theater

"Flood Sensor Aunty," a playful yet poignant theater production by Sabina Sethi Unni, uses humor, Bollywood dance, and a quirky flood sensor character to tackle the serious topic of flood preparedness. Set against the backdrop of New York’s South Asian community, the play creatively addresses the intersection of disaster response, housing inequalities, 

and racial justice. 

With free outdoor performances across Manhattan this April, it's a unique and accessible way to engage diverse audiences on the importance of disaster preparedness in an increasingly flood-prone world.

✅ Learn more about this unique play here

✅ Click here to participate in the SANA LGBTQIA+ Survey

How does economic justice shape the health of South Asian communities? 

Join us for Let’s Talk Justice: Creating Strong Economic Futures for South Asians , a powerful conversation on the ties between opportunity, income, and wellbeing. Hear from Sydelle Barreto from National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF)  as she shares insights and strategies for change.

📅 Date & Time :

• 5/29 at 5:30pm ET

• 5/29 at 4:30pm CT

• 5/29 at 3:30pm PT

Sydelle Barreto is a dedicated and creative policy and advocacy professional who is committed to moving the needle a little closer to collective liberation each and every day. Sydelle began her career in education policy, where they worked on issues such as diversifying the educator pipeline and fighting for a thriving wage for child care workers. 

Prior to joining NAPAWF, they served as the Assistant Director of Federal Policy at SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, where they championed inclusive and evidence-based sex education. Sydelle is deeply passionate about fighting for a world where the marginalized are affirmed in their identities and have the power, information, and resources to make decisions about their own health, pleasure and wholeness.

Sydelle is a proud 1.5 generation Indian American who was born in Mumbai and raised in New Jersey. They received a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Northeastern University and an M.A. in Philosophy and Social Policy from George Washington University. 

👉🏽👉 Register Now to secure your spot and be a part of this

impactful discussion!

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