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 found here. 

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. 

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). 

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.

To be considered, please email saphaboard@gmail.com with the following:

• Study recruitment: Submit flyers in .png format
• Publications: Include a link to the full publication



We look forward to supporting and sharing your research with our community.

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.



Thank you for being part of our community.

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