VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 12

As we close out 2024, SAPHA reflects on a year of progress, resilience, and community-driven impact. This year, we have continued our mission to advance public health within South Asian communities through advocacy, education, and collaboration. From tackling health disparities to empowering the next generation of public health leaders, we have witnessed meaningful strides toward creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.

In this final edition of the year, we celebrate our achievements, highlight ongoing initiatives, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges that 2025 will bring. As we work together to address the unique health needs of South Asian populations, we remain committed to driving transformative change, fostering partnerships, and building a stronger, more inclusive public health infrastructure.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another year of collective progress in advancing health equity for South Asians across the globe.



— The SAPHA Team

Franklin Fires

The Franklin Fire in Malibu has threatened homes and natural areas in the Malibu region of California. Driven by dry conditions and strong winds, the fire caused evacuations, damaged properties, and placed pressure on firefighting resources. Efforts to contain the blaze have involved coordinated responses from local, state, and federal agencies. Community members have been displaced, and recovery efforts are underway as the area works to rebuild and address the environmental impact of the fire.

Wildfire smoke is the cause of 11,000 deaths across the United States every year.

To our Malibu Community:

Our hearts are with you during this difficult time as the Franklin fires continue to impact lives and homes. Please know that we are thinking of you and prioritizing your safety, well-being, and the challenges you may be facing. 💟

Stress Management Tips for the Holiday Season

Organization Spotlight: South Asian SOAR

South Asian SOAR was established in 2021 to address the alarming issue of gender-based violence (GBV), with 48% of South Asian men and women reporting experiencing at least one form of it.

 The COVID-19 pandemic, racial protests, and increasing anti-Asian hate in 2020 heightened these challenges, prompting grassroots advocates and leaders to unite. With a shared commitment to innovation and collective action, these leaders aimed to strengthen collaboration and respond to the urgent needs of survivors through unified, life-saving support services.

In 2022, SOAR launched the "Their Light Remains" series to provide the community with a space to honor and remember lives lost to gender-based violence (GBV). This series was created as a means to acknowledge and process the profound grief and losses experienced during a time marked by global crises impacting communities worldwide.

✅ Check out the 2024 Their Light Remains Series here

Recent Publications

Psychiatric Healthcare Experiences of South Asian Patients with Severe Mental Illness Diagnoses and Their Families in New York City:

A Qualitative Study

The study, “Psychiatric Healthcare Experiences of South Asian Patients with Severe Mental Illness Diagnoses and Their Families in New York City: A Qualitative Study”, explored the psychiatric healthcare experiences of South Asian (SA) individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in New York City through semi-structured interviews with 36 participants, including patients, family members, and clinicians.

 Findings revealed that limited mental health knowledge and a low perceived need for help contributed to delayed care. Factors such as accessibility, language resources, patient-provider relationships, and family involvement influenced experiences with mental health services. Additionally, prescribed medications, self-motivation, communication, and religious practices were identified as helpful in managing symptoms and supporting recovery. 

The study underscores the importance of improving mental health service access and providing culturally sensitive mental health education for SA communities.

✅ Click here to check out the study feature on NBC4 Los Angeles

Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian-American Women

Excited to share the latest collaborative research at GW's Milken Institute School of Public Health, published in the European Society of Medicine: Medical Research Archives!  

The study, "Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian-American Women," is a joint effort with Public Health/Physician Assistant student Anisa Amiji, Dr. Nitasha Nagaraj, and

Dr. Amita Vyas.

Key findings include:

--> South Asian-American women born with very low birth weight (VLBW) are 6.54 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

--> Those born with low birth weight (LBW) have 4.25 times higher odds of developing type 2 diabetes.

--> VLBW and LBW also significantly increase the odds of gestational diabetes (2.59x and 2.5x, respectively).

These results highlight the critical importance of culturally relevant diabetes prevention strategies tailored to South Asian-American women. By addressing unique risk factors, we aim to advance health equity and promote inclusive care.

✅ Check out the full article here:  https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5907/99193548550

Opportunity: Get Involved with SAPHA!

As a growing organization dedicated to improving public health outcomes and addressing health disparities within the South Asian community, we are always seeking passionate and committed individuals to help lead and guide our efforts. 

We are looking for individuals with diverse skills and experiences, including but not limited to:



• Expertise in public health, healthcare policy, or health disparities.
• Leadership or board experience with nonprofit organizations.
• A commitment to advancing equity and health access for underserved communities.
• A passion for making a positive impact in the South Asian community.

How to Apply

✅ If you are interested in learning more and joining us,

complete the interest form here.

Know someone who might enjoy these newsletters?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11

November ushers in a season of thanks, and this month we are thankful for public health organizations and communities coming together to promote health education, prevention strategies, and screenings. 

This month is Men’s Health Awareness month, offering a needed opportunity to focus on health initiatives and awareness campaigns related to men's health issues, like prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, and mental health awareness. Men’s health issues often go under-diagnosed due to stigma, so please take this opportunity to encourage the men in your life to schedule a wellness visit with their primary care doctor. 

This month, you might also see activities aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles, community events, and discussions about the importance of seeking medical advice and support. It’s a time to engage in conversations that can lead to better health outcomes and reduce stigma around health issues. 

With the season of thanks upon us, we express our gratitude to our volunteers, partners, and communities. Your commitment to SAPHA helps us to increase public health knowledge in South Asian communities, awareness of South Asian health risks through programming and research, and support for South Asians as they invest in their health. Since we are a volunteer-run organization, we ask that you keep us in mind on Giving Tuesday (12/3). All donations to SAPHA are tax-deductible. 

Please consider making a donation to SAPHA

Read SAPHA's Post-Election Statement

With the conclusion of the U.S. elections and the upcoming changes in administration, SAPHA is dedicated to supporting and spearheading public health initiatives that will benefit all Americans. Read SAPHA’s statement on the 2024 election outcome on our website.

Recap: SAPHA Chai and Chat at APHA 2024

On October 27, SAPHA kicked off the APHA Annual Meeting with our annual Chai and Chat event, themed Lighting the Way Forward - SAPHA’s Next 25 Years. This year’s gathering celebrated SAPHA’s 25th anniversary, reflecting on our journey and sharing our vision for the future of South Asian public health. We loved meeting those who attended!

To read the full recap, visit our website.



Thank you to everyone who attended and made this gathering a true celebration of our collective commitment. With your support, we’re lighting the way forward for SAPHA’s future—one rooted in collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for health equity in South Asian communities. Here’s to the journey ahead!

Movember

Movember is an annual event that takes place during the month of November, where men grow out their mustaches (or "mo's") to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. It was started in 2003 in Australia by a group of friends who wanted to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Since then, it has expanded globally and now focuses on a range of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.

Participants, often called “Mo Bros,” grow mustaches throughout November, while “Mo Sistas” (women) support the cause by fundraising and spreading awareness. The event encourages open conversations about men’s health and helps reduce the stigma surrounding topics like mental health.

The Movember Foundation, which was established in 2004, organizes the campaign and works to fund programs that promote better health outcomes for men. You can get involved by growing a mustache, donating, or participating in fundraising events.

Are you thinking about taking part in Movember this year?

✅ Click here to find out how you can participate in Movember

AAPI Data is an organization dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive data on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. Based at the Asian American Research Center (AARC) at UC Berkeley, their mission is to highlight the diversity and challenges faced by AAPI communities, as well as to promote data-driven policies that can improve their well-being and access to resources. 

AAPI Data conducts research, collects data, and produces reports on a range of topics, including health, education, economic status, immigration, and political participation. The organization also aims to raise awareness and advocate for AAPI issues at local, state, and national levels. It serves as a key resource for policymakers, advocates, journalists, and community organizations.

✅ Check out their 2024 AAPI Media and Democracy Survey Series here.

Research Opportunities

Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE) 2.0 Study

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – providing a meaningful opportunity for SAPHA and our community to support research initiatives to study Alzheimer’s in the South Asian American community.

SAPHA is supporting the data collection efforts for Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE) 2.0, an NIH-funded, voluntary research study. CARE 2.0 aims to create a large repository of people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) descent who can be contacted about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, aging, caregiver-related research, and other health topics across the lifespan.

✅If you are interested in participating in this study, follow the unique link provided by SAPHA: https://tinyurl.com/SAPHACARE.

South Asian Experiences of Pain

✅If you are interested in participating in this study, email: map2pain@gmail.com

South Asian Trauma Intervention Study 

SAATHI (South Asian Adapted Trauma and Health Intervention)

Study (2024-2025)

In a collaboration between University of North Texas and University of Utah, this project seeks to obtain feedback from stakeholders to develop a culturally adapted treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder tailored to the South Asian American community.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Ateka Contractor, PhD. 

✅If you are interested in participating in this study, click the following link: https://unt.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkhCvSfihNXBSsu.

Recent Publications

New article documenting the DILWALE South Asian Cardiovascular Disease Health Registry’s findings:

This study looked at heart disease risk factors and outcomes among South Asian adults in the U.S. Among 31,781 participants, common risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes were especially widespread, with men having a higher prevalence than women. The results highlight a strong need for better management of these health risks to help lower the rates of early heart disease in this high-risk group.

Agarwala A, Satish P, Ma T, et al. Cardiovascular disease risk in South Asians in the Baylor Scott and White Health DILWALE registry. JACC: Advances. 2024;101349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101349.

Recent article on Social Determinants of Health and Asian American Cardiovascular Health:

Achieving cardiovascular health equity for Asian Americans requires understanding how social and structural factors affect their health. This article documents how Asian Americans are a fast-growing but underrepresented group in health research, and different Asian ethnic groups experience unique health challenges. This statement emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address social factors like socioeconomic status, immigration, and structural racism, aiming to improve heart health and reduce disparities in Asian American communities.

Shah NS, Kandula NR, Commodore-Mensah Y, et al. Social determinants of cardiovascular health in Asian Americans: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;150(16). https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001278. 

Get Involved with SAPHA!

As a growing organization dedicated to improving public health outcomes and addressing health disparities within the South Asian community, we are always seeking passionate and committed individuals to help lead and guide our efforts. 

We are looking for individuals with diverse skills and experiences, including but not limited to:

• Expertise in public health, healthcare policy, or health disparities.
• Leadership or board experience with nonprofit organizations.
• A commitment to advancing equity and health access for underserved communities.
• A passion for making a positive impact in the South Asian community.

How to Apply

✅ If you are interested in learning more and joining us,

complete the interest form here.

Know someone who might enjoy these newsletters?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.

SEASON 1 | EPISODE 8

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

SAPHA continues its journey into the world of podcasts with our latest installment! Introducing the eighth episode of the South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series, where we dive deep into the extraordinary careers and journeys of public health pioneers, with a special focus on the South Asian community.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the South Asian Public Health Association, each episode promises enlightening discussions, motivational narratives, and an intimate exploration of the impactful contributions made by former SAPHA board members, shaping the landscape of public health.

We present our eighth episode of the series featuring Shipra Singh, MBBS, PhD, MPH

Our eighth episode features Shipra Singh, MBBS, Ph.D., M.P.H. Dr. Singh is a distinguished Professor in Public Health and the Founder and Director of the Health Equity Research Center at the University of Toledo. Dr. Singh has a wealth of experience in health equity, social determinants of health, and the intersection of medicine and public health. She also served as Chair of SAPHA’s Communications and Research committees from 2015-2020 and then as SAPHA’s Vice President from 2020-2021. 

Listen to us on Youtube!

Listen to us on Spotify!

Learn more about Dr. Shipra Singh below:

Dr. Shipra Singh is a Professor in Public Health at the Department of Population Health, University of Toledo. She is also the founder and Director of the Health Equity Research Center (HERC) at the University of Toledo. Dr. Singh holds an MPH and PhD in Public Health from University of Michigan, and completed her medical school in India and Medical Externship at S.I.U. School of Medicine, Illinois. 

The primary focus of Dr. Singh’s work is at the intersection of medicine and public health, with an emphasis on social determinants of health, health disparities and interprofessional education. Her work has been consistently externally funded and published in peer reviewed journals. Her current research focuses on examining the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on adverse health outcomes and healthcare-based disparities among vulnerable populations. Specifically, her research examines the system-level factors in healthcare that contribute to health disparities, with special attention to developing strategies to improve access and utilization of health services and improving patient-centered value-based care by enhancing continued cross-cultural training for healthcare professionals.

Listen to us on Youtube!

Listen to us on Spotify!

Subscribe to SAPHA’s Spotlight Series to hear more captivating discussions with trailblazers in public health.

YouTube

Spotify

Thanks for your interest in SAPHA!

We are continually striving to enhance the health and well-being of our diverse South Asian communities. Through advocacy, education, and meaningful community partnerships, we are dedicated to making a positive impact. Learn more about our mission or contribute to our cause by visiting sapha.org!

If you enjoyed this podcast and want to support our efforts in creating engaging content, please consider making a donation.

Subscribe to SAPHA’s Spotlight Series to hear more captivating discussions with trailblazers in public health.



Follow us on Youtube and Spotify to be the first to access our podcasts!

Know someone who might enjoy these emails?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 8

Celebrating Minority Mental Health Month

July marked Minority Mental Health Month, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities. As we move into August, SAPHA continues to emphasize the importance of mental health within our community, particularly as it intersects with culture and identity. 

Over 44 million people from South Asian countries live outside their homelands, with over 3.4 million residing in the U.S. While their cultural diversity enriches their identities, the migration journey often brings significant mental health challenges. Many South Asian immigrants and their descendants struggle to balance cultural identities, cope with discrimination, and adapt to new environments, which can lead to emotional distress. Research shows that South Asian immigrants in North America and the UK are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety than their non-immigrant peers, with 1 in 5 U.S. South Asians reporting a mood or anxiety disorder during their lifetime.

Despite these challenges, many South Asians are reluctant to seek help due to cultural and social stigmas, religious beliefs, and family expectations. To tackle these issues, we must normalize mental health discussions and encourage open dialogue. While stigma still exists, there are increasing stories of support from families and communities once mental health issues are acknowledged. Teens and young adults often fear judgment, but many find support when they open up to loved ones.



Learn more by educating yourself on the mental health challenges faced by South Asian Americans, joining support groups, or seeking a culturally sensitive provider.

Days of Observance 

August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

On this day, we honor the resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide, including those in South Asia. In the U.S., Indigenous populations, such as American Indian and Alaska Native communities, face a high prevalence of mental health issues, obesity, substance use disorders, and various other health challenges. These communities often reside in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, and even when services are available, the quality of care is frequently subpar.

This issue extends beyond American Indigenous populations. In South Asia, Indigenous peoples, known as Adivasis (original inhabitants) or by various other terms depending on the region, often live in inaccessible or difficult-to-reach areas. They face a wide range of inequalities, including poverty, land alienation, lower life expectancy, higher mortality rates, hunger, illiteracy, and insecurity. Access to healthcare, education, productive employment, and political representation remains limited for these communities.

We can make a difference by bringing these disparities to light and advocating for intersectoral policies and integrated healthcare services that address systemic inequalities, discrimination, and power imbalances. By supporting initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of Indigenous communities, we can contribute to a more equitable and just world.

August 26: Women’s Equality Day

The struggle for women’s equality is not limited to one day, but rather this day is to celebrate the strides made toward gender equality while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. This day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment in the US, which granted women the right to vote. However, the struggle for gender equality continues, particularly in the realm of women’s health and rights within the South Asian community.

In many South Asian cultures, women face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including cultural taboos around reproductive health, limited autonomy in decision-making, and socio-economic constraints. Issues such as maternal health, gender-based violence, and access to education remain pressing challenges that require our attention and action.

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors is dedicated to empowering the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora in America through a survivor-led movement for gender justice. They provide culturally competent direct services, including a helpline, counseling, advocacy, housing assistance, economic empowerment, food justice, elder abuse intervention, and youth programs, all of which honor the collective strength and inherent resilience of survivors of violence.



By engaging in discussions, supporting local organizations, and educating ourselves and others, we can help ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and empowered life.

Our Commitment to Mentorship

SAPHA is proud to offer internships to students interested in contributing to SAPHA’s mission. Learn more about our 2024 interns below. Their commitment to advancing public health initiatives is evident in the quality of their work and the enthusiasm they brought to our projects. Their efforts have not only enhanced our work but also underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in public health.

Throughout their time with us, these talented individuals have provided fresh insights, supported key initiatives, and helped drive our mission forward. Their efforts have not only enhanced our work but also underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in public health.



If you are interested in getting involved with SAPHA, please fill out our interest form and check this page for any new internship postings.

Board Member Updates

We would also like to take a moment to express our gratitude to Thoin Begum and Nishka Reddy, who conclude their board positions this month. Thoin and Nishka were instrumental in advancing our mission and elevating the voice of the organization. We thank them for their incredible contributions and commitment to SAPHA. 

Thoin will begin her AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship placement in the Executive Branch program area at the National Science Foundation. Nishka will be focusing on her role as the Adolescent Immunization Coordinator at the Department of State Health Services in Texas.

Welcome to Pavithra and Anita! 

We are pleased to welcome our newest Board Members and Communication co-chairs: Pavithra Suresh, PhD and Anita Makkenchery, MBBS, MPH. Learn more about their backgrounds and expertise on our website.

Research and News Highlights

SAPHA is supporting the data collection efforts for Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE) 2.0, an NIH-funded, voluntary research study. CARE 2.0 aims to create a large repository of people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) descent who can be contacted about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, aging, caregiver-related research, and other health topics across the lifespan.

This research is being performed at UCSF, UCD, UCI, UH, CSUEB or ICAN and other institutions/organizations with Institutional Review Board approvals for research with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations. All collected information will be de-identified and your participation is voluntary. 

SAPHA is eager to support this important data collection effort, which will contribute to meaningful research on aging-related diseases and health in AANHPI communities. To participate, follow the unique link provided by SAPHA: https://tinyurl.com/SAPHACARE.

Empowering Health in the Indian American Community

In collaboration with Pragati, a Bengali Indian community-based organization, a recent scoping survey revealed crucial insights into the cancer screening behaviors and health needs of Indian Americans in Greater Philadelphia. Despite high levels of health insurance coverage and regular physical exams, significant gaps in cancer screening referrals persist, highlighting the need for increased awareness and accessibility of preventive care services. This research underscores the importance of community partnerships in addressing health disparities and improving the overall well-being of the Indian American population. Read the full paper here. 

Exciting News! Our Advocacy Committee co-chairs, Anmol Sharma and Rubana Hossain, will be speaking at the @apigbv National Summit: Growing from Our Roots  August 27-29, 2024, at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco! It's going to be an incredible gathering of minds dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

You still have time to join them for a transformative experience! You can register at bit.ly/apigbvsummit24 #APIGBV2024 #NationalSummitSpeaker

Organizational Spotlight

In this month’s spotlight Asian Women for Health (AWFH) is a local non-profit organization (based in Massachusetts) dedicated to advancing Asian women’s health and well-being through community engagement, education, and representation. AWFH focuses on 1) the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate health education with an emphasis on prevention; 2) connecting women on important health issues, including highlighting their personal journeys to becoming agents of change and; 3) building an online community to share information and support, while reducing language barriers.

Having reached over 10,000 Asians since its inception in 2012, AWFH exhibits an impressive list of achievements including holding its annual women’s health conferences along with its first ever gala this past May, conducting community health worker (CHW) trainings and job placements, developing fact sheets/resources, hosting webinars and podcasts, and participating in strategic partnerships with organizations such as NIH to advocate for more representation of Asian Americans in research. 

You can follow AWFH by subscribing to their newsletter and their social media channels including  X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

In our eighth episode, we're excited to feature Dr. Shipra Singh, a former SAPHA Vice President. Dr. Singh is a Professor and the Program Director for the Health Education doctoral program at the School of Population Health, University of Toledo. She also serves as the Director of the Health Equity Research Center (HERC) at the College of Health and Human Services and is a key faculty member at the School for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Singh’s remarkable journey, exploring her impactful work at the intersection of medicine and public health, with a special focus on social determinants of health, health disparities, and interprofessional education.

Don’t miss out—catch up on our Spotlight Series on Spotify or YouTube, and stay tuned for Dr. Singh’s episode!

Thanks for checking out SAPHA!

Our mission is to actively advance health equity and well-being within the South Asian community. We achieve this through advocacy, education, research, outreach, and by building essential community partnerships. Discover more about our mission or support our cause by visiting sapha.org!

Know someone who might enjoy these newsletters?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 7

Children and Youth Health

The health and well-being of children and youth are pivotal to the future of any community. For South Asian American (SAA) families, understanding the unique health challenges and opportunities that their children face is crucial. This month, we aim to raise awareness and offer actionable advice for families, educators, and healthcare professionals.

SAA youth face the challenge of balancing their ethnic identity based on collectivism with American individualism. This tension, along with model minority expectations, increases their risk for mental health issues and family distancing. Mental health stigma further hinders seeking help. Practitioners must navigate the differing values of parents and children to provide effective care.

SAA children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to family expectations, acculturative stress, discrimination, and stigma around mental health. Their identity is influenced by various factors including education, immigration status, gender and sexual identity, socioeconomic status, generational level, and family culture.

Recent statistics from California highlight the following concerning trends:

• Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) Asian American youth in California report feeling depressed​​.
• Nearly 50% of Asian American teen girls and 30% of all Asian American teens report needing help for emotional or mental health problems such as feeling sad, anxious, or nervous.
• Only 8% of all Asian American teens and 10% of Asian American teen girls received psychological or emotional counseling, significantly lower than their peers​​.
• Of the Asian American youth in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade, 16% have considered suicide​​.

South Asian American children and youth benefit from several protective factors that can mitigate health risks:

• Bilingualism: The ability to communicate fluently in more than one language, including a child’s heritage language, is linked to higher cognitive functioning among South Asian American children​​.
• Cultural Identification: A sense of belonging and affiliation with their cultural heritage reduces the risk of suicide attempts and supports mental health​​.
• Cultural Heritage: Maintaining cultural practices and values fosters a sense of pride and strengthens family cohesion, particularly for children from immigrant families​​.

Actionable Tips for Families and Professionals

To help the children in your families, you can:

• Integrate Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage balanced diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sugary snacks and beverages.
• Promote Regular Physical Activities: Advocate for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and participate in family-oriented activities like biking, hiking, or playing sports.
• Create an Open and Supportive Environment: Normalize conversations about mental health and seek professional help when needed.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the unique health challenges faced by SAA youth. Culturally adapted family therapy and community-based approaches are particularly relevant in SAA youth. Healthcare efforts should also engage in community outreach to educate families about prevalent health issues.

Addressing the unique health needs of South Asian American youth requires a collaborative effort. 

White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening and Listening Session on July 24th, 2024

On July 24, 2024, SAPHA was invited to the White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening, a pivotal event focused on the mental health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The convening brought together community leaders, mental health professionals, researchers, and federal officials to discuss ongoing challenges and strategies for improving mental health services.

On July 24, 2024, SAPHA was invited to the White House AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening, a pivotal event focused on the mental health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The convening brought together community leaders, mental health professionals, researchers, and federal officials to discuss ongoing challenges and strategies for improving mental health services.

SAPHA remains dedicated to advocating for and advancing mental health equity for AA and NHPI communities.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

As we observe the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, it is essential to recognize the significance of this landmark legislation in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This includes areas such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

For South Asian American (SAA) families, understanding and leveraging the protections offered by the ADA is crucial. SAA youth with disabilities often face additional cultural and social stigmas that can impede their access to necessary resources and support. It is vital for families and community leaders to be proactive in advocating for their rights under the ADA, ensuring that SAA children and youth with disabilities receive appropriate educational accommodations, healthcare, and community support.

Celebrating the ADA is not just about acknowledging past achievements but also about committing to ongoing efforts to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. 

Research and News Highlights

Calling all healthcare professionals! George Washington University is conducting a 12-week pilot study to evaluate AIMIcare, a mobile app designed to improve well-being and prevent burnout among healthcare workers. Eligible participants will receive $70 for full participation, including using the app daily and completing three surveys. To learn more and sign up, please visit bit.ly/GWwellbeingstudy.

In Case You Missed It! 

• We're honored to be invited to contribute to the Health Equity Collaborative's blog with our latest piece: "Championing Health Equity: SAPHA’s Focus on South Asian American Healthcare Priorities" to highlight some of the work we've been doing at SAPHA. Read our story on the HEC website. 
• Check out our recent social media campaign around cardiovascular disease awareness and our cardiovascular disease and diabetes toolkit. 
• SAPHA participated in the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Center for Health Equity Education & Advocacy (CHEEA) Climate Health Organizing Fellows (CHOF) Program. CHOF is a tuition free, Zoom based program for health professionals and community leaders focused on creating climate solutions through community organizing. The fellowship is developed in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School Professor Marshall Ganz. Learn more about the fellowship on their website and consider applying! Application deadline is September 20, 2024.

  National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. For South Asian American (SAA) youth, these challenges can be compounded by cultural stigmas, discrimination, and the pressure to meet model minority expectations. It is crucial to address these issues through culturally sensitive mental health services and community support. By raising awareness and providing resources, we can help ensure that SAA youth receive the care they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.

Explore the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit developed by Health and Human Services to learn more.

Organizational Spotlight

The South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN) addresses the mental health needs of the South Asian community in the United States. SAMHIN combats mental health stigma and provides culturally tailored support through education, outreach, and collaboration.

One of SAMHIN’s key initiatives is its extensive network of mental health professionals who understand the unique cultural challenges faced by South Asians. This network provides referrals and ensures that individuals receive care that respects their cultural background and values. SAMHIN also collaborates with other organizations to advocate for better mental health policies and resources for the South Asian community.

By raising awareness and advocating for better mental health policies, SAMHIN improves mental health outcomes within the South Asian community. For more information or support, visit the SAMHIN website.

We spotlight SAMHIN to inspire engagement and support for organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health in our community.

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

Our seventh episode features a previous SAPHA President, Ami Shah. Ami is a data-driven public health professional with extensive experience in addressing health disparities. She has worked with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to integrate Community Health Workers into primary care for high-risk patients and contributed significantly to health equity initiatives at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the Sinai Urban Health Institute. Stay tuned to our next episode where we dive into Ami’s journey, exploring her impactful work, the state of caregiving in the US for South Asian older adults, and her vision for the future of public health.

Catch up on our Spotlight Series on Spotify or YouTube, and stay tuned for Ami’s spotlight!

Thanks for checking out SAPHA!

Our mission is to find meaningful ways to promote health equity and well-being in the South Asian community. We do this through advocacy, education, research, outreach initiatives, and fostering vital partnerships in the community. Learn more about our mission or make a donation at sapha.org!

Know someone who might enjoy these newsletters?

Ask them to sign up for our email list here.