How was the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) formed?

SAPHA was established in 1999 to provide a forum for South Asian public health professionals and those interested in South Asian health issues to share information regarding the health status and concerns of the South Asian community. 

SAPHA connects people, ideas, organizations, and resources to bring about positive change.  We are about creating a space for innovative change to happen in the South Asian community.
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What is SAPHA’s Vision?

The vision of SAPHA is to promote, improve and raise awareness of the health issues that impact the health and well-being of both South Asians and their communities.  In addition, SAPHA offer linkages and interactions to encourage public health professionals to share and promote the awareness and understanding of South Asian-related health issues, including the advancement of relevant research.

SAPHA addresses public health issues specifically impacting South Asians and their communities in the United States through its goals of:

• Providing a forum for mentorship, dialogue and resource-sharing among public health professionals working with South Asians and their communities;
• Raising awareness of health risks and encourage healthy behavior among South Asians;
• Increasing awareness of the value of culturally-appropriate services for South Asians in the United States;
• Advancing the leadership, networking and professional development of South Asian public health professionals; and,
• Encouraging and supporting research and academic communities interested in South Asian health issues.

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How does SAPHA accomplish its mission?

SAPHA's strategy in accomplishing its mission is to:

• Share knowledge and resources;
• Promote research;
• Shape health policy;
• Build coalitions with other organizations;
• Mobilize funding opportunities; and,
• Organize public health resources.

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What projects or activities is SAPHA involved in?

SAPHA is currently working to strengthen its organizational structure by improving the website; increasing fundraising; expanding membership, and strengthen capacity for our local chapters.

SAPHA is also working to develop new fact sheets and planning the 2008 SAPHA Annual Meeting.

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How do I get more involved with SAPHA?

There are several ways to become involved with SAPHA.

  1. Join the SAPHA list-serve. <link to list-serve address>
  2. Become a SAPHA member and have the opportunity to participate in SAPHA Committees and vote in key decisions.<link to membership>
  3. Become active in a local chapter or start one in your city or school. <link to local chapter>
  4. Attend national SAPHA meetings, activities and sponsored events.
  5. Volunteer – there are several volunteer opportunities available, please contact us to find our more. <link to contact/ feedback page>

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What are Local SAPHA Chapters and where are they located?

Local SAPHA Chapters are led by SAPHA volunteers who participate in various activities and events in their local communities that are consistent with the national SAPHA’s mission and goals.  A few examples of local chapter activities include participating in health fairs and cultural events, have local fundraisers, arrange for health awareness movies, educational discussions, and food and resource drives. 

Local SAPHA Chapters are located in Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Baltimore/Washington, DC.

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How do I start a Local SAPHA Chapter in my area?

If there is no Local SAPHA Chapter in your area and you would like to participate in starting one, please contact us .

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What is “A Brown Paper” and how do I get a copy?

The creation and publishing of “A Brown Paper: The Health of South Asians in the United States” was the impetus for the formation of SAPHA. This report, published by SAPHA, is a comprehensive set of leading health indicators for the South Asian community in the United States, detailing demographic information and health information ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes to care of the elderly and to intimate partner violence. You can purchase a copy here

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Who can become a member of SAPHA?

Membership to the South Asian Public Health Association is open to anyone interested in promoting the mission of SAPHA.  We seek individuals who are interested in increasing the visibility and awareness of South Asian public health issues; advancing health professionals interested in South Asian public health issues, advancing health professionals interested in South Asian health issues, engaging in building of communities where South Asians live; and, through education and mutual understanding of South Asians and their respective communities. 
An individual can join the SAPHA list-serve at no cost by emailing the SAPHA list-serve at the following email address: sapha-subscribe@yahoogroups.com < YAHOO LIST_SERVE logo>

• Membership meetings to learn more about and discuss key issues;
• Electronic newsletters full of local and national stories that affect South Asian Americans;
• Action Alerts;
• Job announcements;
• Networking;
• Volunteer opportunities; and,
• Mechanism to publicize your events and resources of interest to the South Asian community.

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Who is considered South Asian?  A general definition of “South Asian” is immigrants and descendants from the following countries:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Indo-Caribbean*
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

* Indo-Caribbean is a generalized term used to describe people who are and/or are the descendents of immigrants from South Asia.

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How much does it cost to become a member of SAPHA and what are the benefits of membership?

Since SAPHA is an organization run by volunteers, which currently relies on dues and contributions to support its limited administrative and project expenses, SAPHA relies on the generosity and support of its membership base. However, to become a member of SAPHA, there is currently no required cost to join, although we greatly welcome donations!

• Voting privileges at SAPHA National Annual Meeting;
• Opportunity to serve on the SAPHA Board and committees;
• Opportunity to participate in SAPHA professional development events
• Reduced registration fees at the SAPHA National Annual Meeting and other SAPHA-sponsored events;
• Opportunity to contribute to and receive SAPHA papers, briefs, and other submissions on public health issues

For all donations from SAPHA members greater than or equal to $25, they will receive the following:

• A copy of SAPHA’s landmark report, “A Brown Paper: The Health of South Asians in the United States”.

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Who is represented on the SAPHA Board of Directors?
SAPHA is a non-partisan group of concerned individuals who are leaders in their respective South Asian communities volunteering their time and resources to work on behalf of South Asians and their communities.

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Who is on SAPHA’s Board of Directors?

The SAPHA Board of Directors are volunteers who have a vested interest in improving the health of South Asians and their communities. For more information about the current and past SAPHA Board of Directors, please visit the board biographies here.
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How can donations be made to SAPHA?

SAPHA is currently working to raise funds to enhance and expand programming around the United States. All donations are welcome.

Donations can be made through the Network of Good or by check donations mailed to:

South Asian Public Health Association, Inc.
Attn:Ranjita Misra
4243 TAMU, Rm # 158V Read Building
Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843
**Please do not send cash donations through the mail.

In addition, for every donation of $50, each donor will receive a copy of “A Brown Paper”.

You can also contact SAPHA to inquire about other donation or sponsorship opportunities. Click here to find out more. 

Thank you for your continued support.
Are donations to SAPHA tax-exempt?
Yes. SAPHA is a national, non-profit organization that is 501(c)3 public charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Services.
How do I get more information about SAPHA?

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