Executive Director Shobhana Verma was invited to Indian Roundtable’s healthcare panel discussion on the State of Health for South Asians. It was a great opportunity to learn about the MASALA Study findings, where Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Nammi Kandula also highlighted the importance of prevention, early detection, and proactive steps to protect us from cardiovascular disease. It was great to hear from experts like Dr. Jerry Krishnan, Dr. Omar Lateef and Dr. Ajanta Patel as well while having the chance to discuss why investing in our community’s health is essential, especially as South Asian Americans now make up the largest and fastest-growing ethnic subgroup among Asian Americans, accounting for 2.6% of Illinois’ total population.
Category Archives: Research
Press Release: Engaged Communities Series
SAAPRI and SAAJCO Launch Engaged Communities Series to Spotlight Civil Rights and Community Action
March 3, 2025 – At a time when civil rights and community engagement are more critical than ever, the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute (SAAPRI) and the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO) are joining forces to launch the Engaged Communities Series, a dynamic year-long multimedia initiative examining pressing social justice issues affecting South Asians and other communities in the U.S.
Beginning April 10, 2025, the series will host monthly webinars, podcasts, and discussions with experts and advocates, tackling civil rights challenges, the roots of hate, and strategies for civic engagement. The series creates space for South Asians in the U.S. to access knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with resources to navigate their rights, challenge discrimination, and engage meaningfully in civic life.
The Engaged Communities Series will focus on three key critical and interrelated themes:
- Know Your Rights – Providing accessible and practical knowledge about civil rights, protections, and available resources.
- Unpacking Hate – Examining the forces that drive bias, discrimination, and hate, and exploring strategies for prevention and response.
- Civic Participation and Democracy – Promoting engagement and understanding of civic processes and democratic values.
The challenges facing South Asian Americans do not exist in isolation. They are part of a larger national conversation on justice and equity. This series will provide historical context and fresh perspectives on the civil rights issues impacting our communities today. – Shobhana Verma, Executive Director of SAAPRI
The challenges facing South Asian Americans do not exist in isolation. They are part of a larger national conversation on justice and equity. This series will provide historical context and fresh perspectives on the civil rights issues impacting our communities today. – Kalpana Peddibhotla, Executive Director of SAAJCO
About the Organizers
SAAPRI is a nonpartisan, community-driven research organization focused on South Asian American policy issues. SAAJCO is a legal nonprofit dedicated to advancing civil and human rights through direct legal services, impact litigation, and community engagement.
Follow for updates: www.saapri.org | www.saajco.org
#EngagedCommunities #SAAJCO #SAAPRI #KnowYourRights #UnpackingHate #CivicParticipation #CommunityAction
Enter your email below to receive updates about our upcoming series, and we’ll keep you informed!
Needs Assessment Survey for South Asian American Older Adults in Illinois
SAAPRI is working to better understand the experiences, challenges, and needs of South Asian older adults (65+) in Illinois. By gathering insights directly from the community, we hope to identify key areas where support and resources are needed. The questions in this survey have been drawn from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questionnaire and SAAPRI’s Community Health and Access Survey to ensure a comprehensive assessment of factors affecting health and well-being. This information will help guide efforts to improve services and enhance the well-being of South Asian American older adults by providing data-driven insights into the challenges, priorities, and gaps within the communities we serve.
By sharing your experiences or encouraging a loved one to participate you can help ensure that the voices of South Asian older adults are heard.
Who can participate? South Asian adults aged 65 and older living in Illinois.
Why is this important? Your input will shape future initiatives and advocacy efforts to better serve our community.
Survey Details: The survey will take just 10-15 minutes to complete and is completely confidential and anonymous.
Please help us reach as many people as possible! Share this survey with your family, friends, and community members. Every response makes a difference. If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to tpema2@uic.edu.
Supporting South Asian Immigrants: Insights from Community and Advocacy Organizations
This survey will help us learn about the immigration challenges faced by lawyers and community-based organizations who advocate on behalf of South Asian American immigrant communities.
South Asian Immigrant Experiences: Challenges & Opportunities
This survey will help us learn about the immigration challenges faced by South Asian Americans.
Women’s Health Series Webinar 2: Cardiometabolic Health
On February 6, 2025, SAAPRI hosted our second webinar in the Women’s Health Series focusing on cardiometabolic health specifically tailored for women, which encompasses maintaining a healthy heart, managing and preventing diabetes, and addressing metabolic diseases. Cardiometabolic diseases are a group of interrelated conditions—including diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and obesity—that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. We focused on the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and metabolism. Our expert speakers covered topics like heart disease, diabetes, and ways to improve your overall well-being.
- Access the Facebook Event page here
Thank you to all those who attended our event! If you were not able to attend, you can access the recording below.
Event Recording
Exploring Neurodivergence: Autism, ADHD, and OCD in the South Asian Context
On January 29th, 2025, SAAPRI and UIC’s AIPhA – Association of Indian Pharmacists in America hosted an interactive webinar designed to provide an educational overview of Autism, ADHD, and OCD, emphasizing personal storytelling from multiple angles, including societal, cultural, and healthcare perspectives. This event featured an educational presentation and an open, inclusive group discussion to learn, share, and grow as a community.
The 75-90 minute session featured:
- Short presentations on each topic.
- Moderated Q&A sessions with speakers sharing lived experiences and professional insights.
- A concluding audience discussion for broader engagement.
Attendees gained valuable knowledge, heard impactful stories, and received a resource guide to further their understanding of neurodivergence.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a unique way of experiencing the world, affecting how individuals communicate, interact, and perceive their surroundings. As a spectrum, its traits and severity vary widely, including challenges with social cues, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and intense focus on specific interests.
Cultural stigma, language differences, and limited access to services often prevent early recognition and intervention, leaving families without the resources they need. Let’s change that—together. 
- Access the Facebook event page here
Thank you to all those who attended our event! If you were not able to attend, you can access the recording below.
Event Recording
2024 Impact Report
A Year Defined by Impact and Advocacy
We’re proud to share SAAPRI’s 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the groundbreaking work we’ve accomplished this year to empower the South Asian American community.
Read the full report here
We would also like to share a special message from our Executive Director Shobhana Verma.
Movember: Men’s Mental Health Discussion
On Sunday, December 1st at 5 PM CST on Instagram Live, SAAPRI is proud to have continued its tradition by hosting its third annual panel discussion to discuss men’s health.
Movember is an annual campaign each November where individuals grow moustaches to spark conversations and raise awareness about men’s health issues, including mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The Movember Foundation highlights a sobering fact: every minute, one man dies by suicide globally, underscoring the urgent need to address mental health challenges faced by men.
In our community, men’s mental health is often overlooked due to deep-rooted cultural stigmas, societal expectations of masculinity, and a lack of open dialogue. South Asian men are frequently expected to suppress their emotions and embody strength, leaving little space to address vulnerabilities or seek help. This silence perpetuates harmful cycles of untreated mental health issues and leads to isolation. As a community, we must do better in fostering a culture of acceptance and support, where our men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being without fear of judgment or shame.
This year’s event focused on South Asian men’s mental health and the societal challenges that prevent open conversations and effective action. Moderators Karan Gowda and Aakash Ray from SAAPRI led an engaging and meaningful discussion with Zaneb Mansha, a South Asian American licensed therapist. Together, they explored breaking mental health stigmas, navigating cultural barriers, and fostering open, honest conversations.
- Access the Facebook event page here
Report – Breaking Barriers: Unpacking Breast Cancer Challenges & Triumphs for South Asian Americans
To read the full report, click below:
Our latest report is the culmination of a year-long campaign dedicated to uncovering the unique experiences, challenges, and barriers that South Asian American women face in breast cancer awareness, screening, and care. From extensive research and a powerful community survey to a 3-part Breast Cancer Series, SAAPRI has committed to advancing health equity in the South Asian American community.