South Asian Americans are disproportionately impacted by heart disease. South Asians in the United States are four times as likely to have heart disease than the general public. We experience heart attacks at much younger ages (10 years earlier on average) and our mortality rates are 50% higher.

The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, championed by Rep. Pramila Jayapal alongside Rep. Joe Wilson, will save numerous lives. Through cultivating an understanding of heart disease among South Asian communities, promoting the creation of tools and resources, and supporting valuable research, bill passage will make a positive impact that can broadly benefit the American public.

That Desi Spark, ASANA Voices, and Indian American Impact hosted an educational webinar on the essentials of cardiovascular health on October 4, 2023. Learn valuable insights and strategies for fostering heart wellness from renowned experts and learn how you can advocate for legislative action.

• Take Action

  Each one of these actions takes less than 5 minutes!

  1. We need a Republican Senator to champion this bill alongside Senator Cory Booker. If you live in a state with a Republican Senator, please email your U.S. Senator at this link using the template here.
  2. Call your U.S. Senator’s office using the template here. You can reach the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 who will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
  3. Spread the word on social media using our toolkit here

• Learn More

  Learn more about the heart disease epidemic in South Asian communities and how to protect your heart:

  • Explainer on desifacts.org
  • Research and nutrition tips from the MASALA Study
  • Explainer from the American Heart Association 
  • Explainer, tips, and resources from Stanford Medicine
  • Tips on prevention from the South Asian Heart Center

  Read about the South Asian Heart Health bill:
  

  • One-page fact sheet 
  • Reps. Jayapal and Wilson’s press release on the 2023 introduction of the bill 
  • The language of the bill (H.R. 4914) 
  • Watch the 2022 press conference when the bill passed the U.S. House
  • President Biden’s statement of support for the bill

   

• Our Advocacy Partners

  

  

  To join our coalition, please email sarah@iaimpact.org.