February 2026 Newsletter: South Asian Health Advocacy Efforts
Happy Heart Health Month!
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 2
As we welcome February and observe Heart Month, we are reminded of the urgent need to advance cardiovascular health within our community. South Asians face a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, with studies showing that nearly 50% of heart attacks occur before the age of 50. On average, South Asians develop coronary artery disease up to a decade earlier than the general population. These sobering statistics underscore the importance of targeted education, dedicated research, and culturally relevant resources to address and reduce this growing health disparity.
Over the past few years, we have deepened our commitment to advancing South Asian heart health. We strengthened our collaboration with OurHealth, expanded academic partnerships to support national studies focused on South Asian cardiovascular risk, and continued to grow our Cardiovascular and Diabetes Toolkit to better equip individuals, clinicians, and public health professionals with culturally relevant resources.
Through our South Asian Research Hub and our spotlight on South Asian public health professionals, we are also amplifying the science and the stories driving innovation and shaping the future of heart health. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for prevention, early detection, and equity in cardiovascular care.
Welcome to our New Board Members
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Board members: Mira Agneshwar, Aisha Bhimla, and Syeda Hasan. We’re excited to learn from their experiences, grow alongside their leadership, and work together to strengthen and serve the SAPHA community.
More information about our Board of Directors can be foundhere.
The Heart Risks That Medicine Kept Missing
New research from University of California, San Francisco is reshaping what we thought we knew about heart health in South Asian communities. A groundbreaking study reveals that traditional measures like BMI may miss dangerous “hidden” fat and overlook risk in patients who appear healthy by standard tests. In this feature for UCSF Magazine, Rachel Tompa explores how these findings are challenging long-held assumptions and transforming the way doctors screen for heart disease. Read the article here.
Funding Early-Stage Research and Training in Women's Health
The Foundation for Women's Wellness supports innovative early-stage research and professional development to improve women’s health. Research Awards fund short-term studies at U.S. medical institutions focused on major women’s health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, female cancers, hormone-related health, and diseases disproportionately affecting women. Fellowship Awards support emerging physicians and scientists pursuing advanced training in women’s health disciplines. Learn more at The Foundation for Women’s Wellness.
Organization Spotlight: South Asian Heart Center
Founded in 2006 by El Camino Health, theSouth Asian Heart Center (SAHC) was established to combat the high incidence of heart disease impacting the urban South Asian population. SAHC addresses heart disease using a culturally appropriate lifestyle approach, through community awareness, education, screening, coaching, and research.
SAHC has received local, state and national recognition particularly for two programs AIM to PreventTM and STOP-DTM focusing on both heart disease and diabetes prevention and management. Accomplishments include reaching over 125,000 community members, increased screening, coaching and education (26%), building a referring network of over 500 physicians, and positive participants outcomes in weight loss (63%), lowered blood sugar (25%), and event-free survival (98%).
Opportunity for Former and Current New York & New Jersey Service Providers to Inform Needs of South Asian Women Facing Domestic Violence
Afiya Imam, a member of SAPHA’s Research Committee, is conducting her honors thesis on how domestic violence (DV) service providers construct and address the needs of South Asian survivors. The purpose of the research is to center South Asian focused organizations that address the unique challenges South Asian women face in navigating DV.
Through in-person interviews, Afiya is looking to learn from former and current service providers from organizations in the NY/NJ area about the work they do with DV survivors. Appropriate ethical and confidential measures will be maintained for the interview process, abiding by IRB approved protocols.
If interested in being part of these interviews, please contact Afiya directly via email (ahi2009@nyu.edu).
Research Requests and Study Highlights
Are you recruiting participants for a study or interested in having your recent publication featured in our newsletter? We’d love to help amplify your work.
Publications: Include a link to the full publication
We look forward to supporting and sharing your research with our community.
Share the Love by Supporting SAPHA's Mission
As we move through February, a month centered on care and connection, we’re inspired to continue building on the incredible momentum from our recent Conference and Gala and to deepen SAPHA’s impact in the year ahead.
Your generosity fuels the work that matters. With your support, we’re able to expand vital initiatives like the National South Asian Health Database, our year-round webinar series, practical toolkits and resources for public health professionals, and meaningful networking and mentorship opportunities for students and emerging leaders.
A gift this February is more than a donation—it’s an investment in community-centered programs, shared learning, and lasting connections. Together, we can continue advancing health equity and strengthening the South Asian public health community throughout 2026 and beyond.
January 2026 Newsletter: Happy New Year from SAPHA!
Looking Ahead to a New Year of Expanding South Asian Public Health
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 1
A Letter from SAPHA's President
Dear Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well as we welcome a new year and renew our shared commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of South Asian communities across the United States. As I enter my fifth year serving as President of SAPHA, I remain deeply humbled by the trust you place in this organization and inspired by all we have built together. 2025 marked one of the most transformational periods in SAPHA’s 26-year history, as highlighted by our inaugural national conference and gala, reflecting the depth, growth, and collective leadership of our community.
Last year, SAPHA achieved significant milestones that include:
Advancing Research and Knowledge: SAPHA deepened its role as a national resource for South Asian health scholarship by launching the South Asian Research Hub, a first-of-its-kind platform functioning as a “South Asian PubMed” where researchers, practitioners, and community members can easily explore the full landscape of studies and data on South Asian health. We also expanded our commitment to data visibility through the launch of our Disaggregating Diversity initiative, which compiles and links all publicly available datasets that provide South Asian–specific health outcomes data, making it easier for advocates, researchers, and policymakers to access meaningful, community-relevant information.
Engaging Events and Community Education: Throughout 2025, SAPHA continued to bring together experts, advocates, and community members through high-impact events. We hosted a webinar on cancer prevention, a health equity workshop on economic justice, and a workshop on addressing vaccine hesitancy. SAPHA also supported the data collection efforts of the Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE) 2.0 study. In alignment with this partnership, we conducted recruitment and outreach events to strengthen study representation and community engagement. If you’re a researcher interested in adding SAPHA as a community partner on research studies for community outreach, reach out to us!
Our Inaugural SAPHA Gala and National Conference: One of the most significant milestones in SAPHA’s history took place in 2025, when we convened our first-ever national conference and gala. This landmark gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, advocates, and community partners for a powerful two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration. The fireside chat with Asma Khalid and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal served as a powerful centerpiece for the gala, elevating national dialogue on South Asian health equity and reinforcing the importance of collective action in this moment. We were especially grateful to the many past SAPHA board members who joined us in person, supported planning efforts, contributed as speakers, and continued to champion SAPHA’s mission through their time, expertise, and financial generosity. Their presence underscored the continuity of SAPHA’s legacy and the collective strength of our national network.
Strengthening National Presence and Coalition-Building: SAPHA continued to expand its presence on the national stage through active participation in key convenings and partnerships. We contributed to national discussions at Roundglass India Center’s South Asian Health Research and Rightswebinar and at the APAICS 2025 Health Summit, where SAPHA helped shape conversations on disaggregating data for AANHPI health equity. In parallel, SAPHA strengthened its collaborative advocacy work by joining the South Asian Coalition, expanding opportunities to coordinate efforts across organizations serving South Asian communities. Throughout the year, we also released timely statements on current events and continued building relationships with partners across sectors.
These accomplishments reflect the dedication, creativity, and passion of our board members, network, committee members, interns, and supporters. Your collaboration continues to be the driving force behind SAPHA’s impact.
As we enter 2026, we do so during a time of continued challenges for the public health field, including sustained funding cuts, shifting federal directives, rapidly evolving vaccine and health guidelines, and a fast-moving policy environment that affects the daily realities of the communities we serve. Many South Asian Americans are navigating heightened uncertainty, ongoing policy changes, and increased fear due to evolving immigration enforcement actions. These conditions underscore the urgent need for culturally grounded, trusted public health infrastructure. Even in this unpredictable environment, SAPHA remains committed to being a steady and reliable voice by offering evidence-based resources, community-informed guidance, and responsive advocacy. Together, we will navigate 2026 with resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to health equity.
As we look ahead, our work will continue to be shaped by the strength, dedication, and leadership of the people who make SAPHA what it is. Our progress is only possible because of the individuals who devote their time, expertise, and heart to this organization. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our outgoing board members for their tremendous contributions to SAPHA: Pavithra Suresh, Anita Makkenchery, and Mushira Khan,. To our continuing board members, Ayesha Azam, Malinee Neelamegam, Rubana Hossain, Amish Doshi, Anto Paul, Navami Naik, Anita Balan, Nawal Umar, Anmol Sharma, Sonia Shah, and Minal Patel, and to those returning to leadership, including Aisha Bhimla, PhD, who rejoins the board as Co-Chair of the Research Committee: welcome and thank you for your continued dedication to SAPHA’s mission. I am excited to work alongside all of you to build on our accomplishments.
I encourage each of you to share your ideas on how SAPHA can continue to grow and better serve our community. For any inquiries or suggestions, please reach out to us at admin@sapha.org.
With gratitude,
Samira Khan, MPH
President, South Asian Public Health Association
Introducing our Board Members
More information about our Board of Directors can be found here.
Addressing an Overlooked Population: The Role of Discrimination and Violence in Depression Among South Asian Female College Students
Study participants included 673 South Asian female college students in the U.S. found that discrimination and violence are major contributors to depression in this population. More than half reported experiencing discrimination on campus, two-thirds reported violence during college, and one in four met the criteria for depression.
Day-to-day discrimination and experiences of violence were both strong predictors of depressive symptoms, even after accounting for demographic factors. Bisexual and questioning students faced especially high risk. The findings highlight discrimination and violence as critical social determinants of mental health and point to the urgent need for culturally responsive counseling services, intersectional campus policies, and evidence-based interventions to support South Asian women in higher education.
For South Asians and Medical Providers Across Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex and Texas - Opportunity to Inform Type II Diabetes Program Development
As part of SAPHA’s continued support (in partnership with the University of North Texas Health Science Center) for the NIH’s Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) grant, we are sharing an opportunity for South Asians and medical providers across Texas (particularly those in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex area) to inform the development of a Community Health Ambassador program to address the high prevalence of type II diabetes in the South Asian community in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Participation is voluntary and a $10 Amazon gift card will be provided to each respondent. Your responses will help create a program that is culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive to the unique needs, experiences, and traditions of South Asian individuals and families. Eligibility information and links to each of the surveys (patient and provider are below):
Patient survey eligibility is based on the following factors:
Must be at least 18 years old
Must be of South Asian descent (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Bhutanese, or Maldivian)
Does not need to have type II diabetes or have a family history of it, but should feel that they are at risk for developing diabetes in the future
Upon completion of the survey, please write in either Amish Doshi or SAPHA as the name of referral.
Research Requests and Study Highlights
Are you recruiting participants for a study or interested in having your recent publication featured in our newsletter? We’d love to help amplify your work.
Publications: Include a link to the full publication
We look forward to supporting and sharing your research with our community.
Start the New Year by Supporting SAPHA's Mission
As we look ahead to a new year, we’re excited to build on the momentum from our recent Conference and Gala and continue growing SAPHA’s impact.
Your support makes it possible for us to expand essential programs, including the National South Asian Health Database, our year-round webinar series, toolkits and resources for public health professionals, and networking and mentorship opportunities for students and emerging leaders.
A gift at the start of the year helps set the foundation for more community-centered programs, learning opportunities, and connections in the months ahead. Together, we can continue advancing health equity and strengthening the South Asian public health community in 2026 and beyond.
Join Us in Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Community Impact!
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 12
Welcome to the SAPHA December Newsletter!
As we close out an incredible year at SAPHA, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything we’ve built together. From expanding our community programs to elevating South Asian public health voices, this year has been full of meaningful progress made possible by people like you.
We invite you to watch ourYear in Review and celebrate the milestones, stories, and impact we achieved as a community. Thank you for showing up, volunteering, advocating, sharing, and investing in better health for all.
As we look ahead, your support remains essential. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help fuel our work in 2026 and beyond.
Wishing you a joyful and healthy New Year. We can’t wait to see you in 2026!
⬇️ Let’s dive in! ⬇️
✨ Curious about our work?✨
Come be part of it!
Want to get involved with SAPHA? We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a committee, lending your expertise, or simply learning more about our work, filling out our interest form is the first step.
Share a bit about your interests and how you’d like to contribute, and
If you self-identify as Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander, are 18+, live in the U.S. or U.S. Associated Pacific Islands, and can read or speak one of several languages (including English, Mandarin, Hindi, Tagalog, and more), you’re eligible to join!
Participation is voluntary, and all information collected is de-identified to
protect your privacy.
By signing up for the CARE registry, you may be contacted about research opportunities that could help improve health outcomes in our communities. Your participation can help ensure that AANHPI voices are represented in science.
In a recent community poll, 41% of AAPI adultscited health care as the important problem facing them and their family. With Congress preparing for a pivotal vote on health insurance subsidies, it’s critical for us to translate data and insights into action.
AAPI Data is excited to share their newest By the Numbers guide, a deep dive into AAPI health that features:
Key data on insurance coverage, disability, mental health and more
Timely public opinion insights on AAPI priorities around health
Essential policy background on hot button issues
Explore the data driving one of the most urgent issues for AAPI communities today.
“Our recent AAPI Policy Priorities Survey demonstrated that healthcare is one of the most important issues facing AAPIs and their families,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. “Given recent Congressional actions around health coverage, it’s vital that we are tuned in. This guide will be an important resource as our coalition continues to rally around the issues that matter most to AAPIs and advocate for affordable healthcare for all.
TheASPIRE Asian American Cohort Study, a first-of-its-kind national research effort is focused on understanding the causes of cancer in Asian American communities.
ASPIRE aims to build a diverse cohort representing Asian Americans from across the United States, the first study of its scale and scope, to help uncover what drives cancer risk and guide better prevention efforts for future generations.
Participants can contribute by completing surveys over time, with the option to provide saliva samples, and all activities can be done from home. This study helps fill critical gaps in research and ensures that Asian American voices and health experiences are represented.
A recent American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Poll finds that 41% of U.S. adults expect more stress around the holidays this year compared with last year — a significant jump from 28% in 2024 and 29% in 2023. Younger adults (18–34) are especially likely to feel this increase in stress.
While many people still look forward to holiday traditions like seeing family and friends, enjoying good food, and giving gifts, concerns about finances, grief and loss, family dynamics, and loneliness are top stressors for the season.
Broader worries about the economy, health care, political tensions, and social issues also contribute to anxiety during this time of year.
Despite these pressures, a growing share of people report that the holidays have a positive impact on their mental health.
A recent study, “Consumption of iron-rich foods and its associated factors among South Asian children aged 6–23 months,” published in Springer Nature Scientific Reports, highlights important gaps in early childhood nutrition across the region. Researchers found that many young children are not consuming enough iron-rich foods, a concern given iron’s essential role in healthy growth, brain development, and preventing anemia.
Using multilevel analysis across several South Asian countries, the study identified key factors linked to higher iron intake including maternal education, household wealth, access to health services, and community-level nutrition awareness.
The findings underscore the need for continued investment in family nutrition education, affordable nutrient-dense foods, and programs that support caregivers during the critical first two years of life
On October 7, 2025, the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) Advocacy Committee hosted “Be a Vaccine Hero: How Public Health Professionals Can Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the South Asian Community,” a virtual webinar led Baldeep K. Dhaliwal, PhD, MSPH from the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Public health professionals, students, and community advocates tuned in to learn how to address vaccine hesitancy in South Asian communities more effectively and compassionately.
Dr. Dhaliwal began by reframing vaccine hesitancy as a structural and relational issue, not simply a lack of information. She highlighted how colonial medical histories, racism in healthcare, immigration challenges, and language barriers can fuel mistrust, especially when combined with misinformation spreading via social media and platforms like WhatsApp. This framing grounded the conversation in health equity and emphasized the importance of meeting community members where they are.
The webinar then focused on practical strategies public health professionals can use in their day-to-day work, including:
Starting with listening and empathy before offering facts
Using plain language and culturally relevant examples to explain vaccine safety and benefits
Partnering with trusted messengers, such as faith leaders, community-based organizations, and clinicians who share language and culture
Acknowledging past and ongoing harms while still advocating for vaccination as a critical tool to protect community health
Through scenario-based discussion and Q&A, participants practiced responding to common myths, de-escalating tense conversations, and designing outreach that prioritizes trust, dignity, and cultural relevance.
This webinar is part of SAPHA’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening advocacy for South Asian communities. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dhaliwal and all attendees who contributed their insight, questions, and lived experiences.
The South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) is dedicated to promoting health equity for South Asians in the United States and the communities they reside in. As a public health organization, we recognize that administrative actions and federal legislation can have deep and lasting effects on the health and well-being of South Asian communities here in the U.S. As such, we condemn the passage of US HR 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. In light of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ending, one that threatened access to SNAP, forced federal workers to go without pay, and shut down critical federal agencies, it is all the more important that we continue to fight for the funding of pivotal governmental assistance programs that immensely contribute to the health and well-being of all Americans.
Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, HR 1 will have a largely adverse impact on communities of color, including South Asian communities, whose healthcare, insurance, and access to benefit programs will be impacted. HR 1 contains major funding cuts to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), establishes complicated work and eligibility requirements, and makes it more difficult for lawfully residing immigrants, such as asylum seekers and refugees, to access coverage. Some of these changes have already gone into effect, such as eliminating the enforcement of certain rules that facilitate Medicaid enrollment, while others, such as Medicaid expansion incentives, are set to end at the beginning of 2026.
Samira Khan, SAPHA President, released the following statement: “As HR 1 moves through its implementation phase, we are beginning to see its consequences. South Asian families are bracing for rising premiums, reduced coverage options, and new barriers to care at a time when our community already faces a high burden of chronic disease. These changes will make preventive care and chronic disease management even more difficult, threatening long-term public health. In this moment, SAPHA is committed to providing clear, accessible information and partnering with healthcare and community organizations to help families understand their options and stay connected to care. We will continue advocating for policies that protect coverage and keep our communities healthy.”
Beyond this, given recent administrative and federal agency actions on immigration, fear and misinformation are spreading in the communities, causing many to disenroll or avoid healthcare and having their mental and physical well-being threatened.
An estimated 1.1 million Asian Americans stand to lose insurance coverage as a result of this bill (the precise number of South Asians is unknown due to a lack of disaggregated data). Many South Asians vary in immigration status, and especially those who come on work or student visas may now be burdened with higher costs due to stricter fees and requirements. Additionally, many South Asians may be asylum seekers or refugees, as in FY 2023, India was one of the fifth-largest countries of origin for asylum seekers. Further, “Near East/South Asia” was the second largest region of origin for refugees in FY 2023.
Given the 4.6 million Asian Americans, including South Asians, who rely on Medicaid, HR 1 will undeniably have a significant impact on, not only healthcare access and coverage, but the health of South Asian communities. Many South Asians already suffer from a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The loss of access to care will be detrimental for managing and treating these conditions.
At SAPHA, we remain committed to advocating for just and equitable health outcomes for the South Asian American community and believe that health care coverage and access are a human right. We call on Congress to unwind harmful health provisions that stand as coverage barriers. We will continue to support community members, healthcare providers, and public health professionals by sharing resources to help navigate an increasingly complex landscape to access healthcare
November 2025 Newsletter: Advancing Global South Asian Health Efforts
Your Support Matters! Make an Impact This Giving Tuesday with SAPHA.
VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 11
Welcome to the SAPHA November Newsletter!
As we step into November, we’re still buzzing from the excitement of SAPHA’s inaugural Gala and Conference! Bringing together public health leaders, clinicians, researchers, students, and advocates from across the country, this milestone weekend was a powerful reminder of the energy, creativity, and commitment within our community.
From inspiring fireside chats and panel discussions to celebratory moments at the Gala and Conference, we witnessed firsthand the collaboration and passion driving South Asian public health forward. The conversations, connections, and ideas shared have set the tone for new year of continued learning, partnership, and impact.
If you joined us for the Gala or Conference, we’d love to hear from you!
In this edition, we’ll recap highlights, share stories from our members, and spotlight opportunities for engagement as we carry this momentum into 2026.
Read on to celebrate, reflect, and plan with us.
⬇️ Let’s dive in! ⬇️
✨SAPHA Gala and Conference Recap!✨
We’re still feeling the amazing energy from our inaugural SAPHA Conference and Gala! A two-day event filled with connection, inspiration, and powerful conversations about advancing South Asian public health.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our inaugural SAPHA Conference and Gala! Your presence, energy, and engagement made the weekend extraordinary and helped strengthen our growing community.
Our full recap is now available on the SAPHA website, including highlights from the panels, the interactive networking session, and our unforgettable gala program.
Thank you for your generous support of SAPHA’s Conference and Gala. We’re truly grateful. The event marked a milestone for SAPHA and your support helps us expand the impact we’ve already begun.
Indian Americans Embrace Dual Identities — Survey Highlights
A new nationally‑representative survey of over 1,200 U.S. residents of Indian origin highlights how Indian Americans balance life in the U.S. while staying connected to India.
Strong Cultural Ties: Over 80% maintain connections to Indian culture through food, movies, and the arts.
Identity Matters: 87% say being Indian is very or somewhat important to who they are.
Civic Engagement Rising: Many discuss politics with friends/family, volunteer, or engage in community problem-solving showing growing participation in U.S. civic life.
Facing Discrimination: Nearly half of respondents reported experiencing discrimination in the past year, including biases related to skin color, religion, or country of origin.
Support for Anti-Discrimination Policies: Over three-quarters support laws against caste-based discrimination in the U.S.
These insights underscore the diversity, civic engagement, and evolving identity of Indian Americans which is essential context for organizations and communicators engaging with this community.
Heat & health risk: World Bank warns of rising temperature impacts
A World Bank report titled “An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh” shows that since 1980 the “feels like” temperature has increased by ~4.5 °C in Bangladesh, leading to rises in diarrhea, cough/respiratory illness, fatigue, mental‑health issues (depression, anxiety), and productivity losses of about 250 million workdays in 2024.
Women and older adults were especially vulnerable.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight a growing health challenge in the U.S.: more adults than ever are living with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Between 2013 and 2023, the prevalence of adults managing two or more chronic diseases has steadily increased across all age groups.
Key Findings
The study “Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among U.S. Adults, 2013–2023” examined data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Among young adults (aged 18‑34): the prevalence of having two or more chronic conditions (MCCs) rose from ~21.8% in 2013 to ~27.1% in 2023, meaning ~5.2 million more young adults had any chronic disease and ~3.8 million more had MCCs.
