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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
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Read SAPHA's Post-Election Statement
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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.
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Recap: SAPHA Chai and Chat at APHA 2024
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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!
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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
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Organization Spotlight: AAPI Data
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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.
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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.
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South Asian Experiences of Pain
✅If you are interested in participating in this study, email: map2pain@gmail.com
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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