Initiatives

Initiatives at SAH Project include:

SAH Project Web Initiative
In June 2006, SAH Project launches its new web-initiative, an on-line strategy to promote health and well-being through the internet. The site www.southasianhealth.org serves as an on-line clearinghouse for culturally-appropriate information, resources, and research. The web-initiative also provides opportunities for consumers and providers of health and related services to contribute and help build the site.

Media Initiative
In January 2007, SAH Project received a grant from the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health of New Jersey to develop a media initiative that will promote health and wellness in the South Asian community. Through this partnership, SAH Project was able to build relationships with multiple South Asian media outlets, identify opportunities for collaboration and creative approaches to health promotion, and bring attention to SAH Project’s mission and website – www.southasianhealth.org.

Through this initiative, SAH Project organized a Media Roundtable in which community and media partners discussed ways to reach South Asian community members more effectively through media. In addition, SAH Project built capacity to effectively utilize media for outreach and education in health.

Healthy Living Campaign for South Asians
In 2005, SAH Project launched the Healthy Living Campaign for South Asians, a simple idea and a small effort that can create community-wide action to raise awareness about topics that are important to the health and well-being of South Asians in New York and New Jersey areas.

The first step to this initiative identified community assets with the development of Community Resource Directories on South Asian Health & Human Services for New Jersey and New York.

In 2006, the Health Project and Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS joined forces with Family Health Project, Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, and Banyan Tree Project to initiate a dialogue on sexual health. A forum was held on April 26, 2006 to bring diverse stake holders together, initiate dialogues, and raise awareness about sexual health concerns important to South Asians living in the United States, such as HIV/AIDS, other STIs, and reproductive health.

Heart Health
A committee on heart health has been formed, with advocates interested in raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Asian communities.

Sexual Health
Sexual health initiatives have included:

A Forum on Sexual Health and South Asian Communities, April 26, 2006
Web-initiative
May 19th National API HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Community Resource Directories on South Asian Health & Human Services
New York and New Jersey
There are 2 directories—one for New Jersey (CRD-NJ) and one for New York (CRD-NY)—each highlighting existing community assets, resources that are currently available and offer support specific for South Asian communities.

The new website will provide the CRD NY and NJ in two formats: downloadable .pdf document and searchable directory database. New agencies will also be able to list their services.

Capacity Building Workshops
Two workshops were offered Spring 2006 in central New Jersey.

Workshop #1: "Building Strong Not-for-Profits", April 5, 2006 Free 2-hour workshop on how to build and sustain a not-for-profit agency, featuring 4 South Asian initiatives that can share their experience.

Workshop #2: "Fund Development of Not-for-Profits Serving South Asian Communities", May 6, 2006 1-day free training on grant writing mechanics and diversifying funding sources

1st Conference on South Asian Health
SAH Project was proud to be an advisor and co-sponsor for the 1st national conference on South Asian Health, June 3, 2005, hosted by University of Medicine and Dentistry, Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Community Meetings
In 2004 and 2005, three "community meetings" were convened to initiate a dialogue around health concerns and possible solutions for South Asian communities. These meetings were the first time representatives from diverse social service agencies, research groups, faith-based organizations, and city agencies were brought together all of whom are involved with the delivery, documentation, and advocacy around health and human services for South Asian communities.