WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) are introducing bipartisan policy today. South Asia Heart Health Awareness and Research Method, landmark legislation that will raise awareness about the alarming rates of heart disease among South Asians across the United States and commit resources and strategies to all communities to reverse this deadly trend. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) plans to introduce companion legislation later this year.
“I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities, and as the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress, I have seen with my own eyes the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities, and as the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress, I have seen with my own eyes the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities. We are committed to advancing understanding of Asian communities, while ensuring that all people living with them have access to the resources, treatment, and support they need.” said Rep. Jayapal. “No community should face disproportionate health risks due to a lack of research, understanding and awareness. We need research resources and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in South Asia and around the world. I will not stop fighting for this bill to make sure we have it.”
“Heart disease disproportionately affects certain populations, such as South Asian communities, and this bill will expand research and education that will benefit those communities. We are grateful that it passed the House of Representatives in multiple Congresses and look forward to its final passage.” said Congressman Joe Wilson..
“The rising prevalence of heart disease in the South Asia region requires urgent response and resources.” Senator Booker said: “This bipartisan bill would be an important step to advance important research on heart disease and support organizations working to promote heart health through the development of new culturally sensitive materials.”
“For too long, South Asian Americans have been disproportionately affected by the devastating effects of heart disease.” Neil Makhija, president of Indian American Impact, said: “We are grateful for Congressman Jayapal’s leadership as this bill is an important step to protect the well-being of millions of people in our communities. We urge you to pass this bill quickly so we can create more awareness, raise awareness, and save lives in all communities.”
Research shows that South Asians (those who immigrated or whose families immigrated from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) living in the United States experience a dramatic increase in heart disease. , has been shown to have four times the risk of heart disease compared to the United States. To the general public. Although South Asians make up 25 percent of the world’s population, they disproportionately account for 60 percent of the world’s heart disease cases and more than 50 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths. Almost two-thirds of middle-aged South Asian Americans are at moderate or high risk of developing heart failure within the next 10 years. Additionally, research agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not disaggregate medical data for Asian Americans, making it nearly impossible to examine data for Pacific Islanders and South Asian Americans.
Heart disease is widespread in the United States but poorly understood. In America, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds, and heart disease costs the United States more than $363 billion each year.
of South Asia Heart Health Awareness and Research Method It would authorize the HHS Secretary to make grants available to states to promote awareness of the prevalence of heart disease in South Asian communities. These grants can be used to:
- Develop culturally appropriate educational materials on topics such as nutritional education, optimal meal planning, and regular exercise programs.
- We support the heart health efforts of community organizations that work with and serve communities particularly affected by heart disease.
- Support conferences and workshops on research practices, methodologies, and planning to engage more people in communities disproportionately affected by heart disease in scientific research.
The bill also directs the Secretary of HHS to submit reports to Congress on grant activity and data collected related to heart disease in disproportionately affected communities, and provides a report on grant activity and data collected related to heart disease in disproportionately affected communities through 2028. It authorizes funding for these programs.
In the 117th Congress, the bill passed the full House before being blocked in the Senate. This bill is also supported by President Biden.
of South Asia Heart Health Awareness and Research Method Ami Vera (CA-06), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clark (NY-09), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Adriano Espaira (NY) is also sponsored. -13), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Grace Meng (NY-06), Grace F. Napolitano (CA- 31), Jimmy Panetta (CA) -19), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Nydia Velasquez (NY-07).
This legislation is supported by the American Heart Association, American Association of Physician Women, ASANA Voices, Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Indian American Impact, MASALA Study, South Asian Approved by American Americans. Voter Empowerment Texas Education Fund, South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, South Asian Public Health Association.
Issue: Healthcare
