HEALTH

Given the rising costs of healthcare, and the findings of the research conducted by various organizations it becomes more than necessary at this juncture to provide Wellness education to the community members. These findings reveal that many South Asians experience many of the same obstacles as other immigrant community members: no money, little or no English language proficiency, and no health insurance.  They also reveal that South Asians do not use preventative care.   In addition to these finding, changes in immigration policy and hospital policies are likely to add further to the South Asians in New York not seeking health care. The rate of uninsured South Asians in the United States is 21% (national average is 18%). Moreover as compared to white children, Asian American children are 2-3 times more likely to lack a usual source of health care services and continuity of care. At the same time in both the intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS chapters, authors note that the stigma associated with seeking assistance often deters South Asians from accessing services. Added to it is the use of chewing tobacco as a result of which Oral cancer accounts for 30% of all South Asians’ cancers. It may not be improper to add here that the average annual income of a South Asian family living in Brooklyn is approximately average size 4-6) $12,000 only.

One in eight adults in New York City has diabetes, and nearly twice as many appear to be developing it -- a picture even grimmer than that of the nation as a whole, according to the city's first attempt to definitively measure the rate of the disease. The study, conducted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of New York City, shows that almost one-third of those who have diabetes are unaware of it, as are many of those with prediabetes, or abnormally high blood sugar. The study indicates that more than half of the New Yorkers whose families are from the South Asian region have either diabetes or prediabetes. More than 90 percent of diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet and heredity. Moreover, being a closed community, the South Asians more prone to receive services available near to their place of residence and prefer to receive services from a culturally respectful surrounding. 

It is in this context that it was felt that there is a special need in the Brooklyn’s South Asian community for a Healthcare Awareness & Preparedness Project. In response to this need, COPO thought of starting its Immigrant American Healthcare Project (IAHP) which is in its nascent state of growth. 

The Immigrant American Healthcare Project will function as per the following:

1.  Monthly Community Education Events led by a Health Educator, who will educate COPO’s clients on various topics related to healthcare:

• Diabetes, blood pressure education and prevention, Cancer awareness etc.
• Education and Prevention program that targets key individuals within the South-Asian community in providing health information on the effects of tobacco, and adopting policies for smoke-free and tobacco-free sponsorship events.
• Obtaining free checkups and flu shots
• Affordable options for uninsured and for undocumented immigrant clients and their right to health care.
• Eligibility for public insurance coverage in New York State
• Refer ineligible individuals to a health care safety net, including low cost or free clinics, South Asian healthcare providers who see patients for a nominal fee, or to charities.

2.  Enroll and retain eligible individuals in free or low cost health programs
3.  Develop a directory of South Asian healthcare providers in Brooklyn, with details on the services and languages available.
4.  Collaborate with likeminded agencies to provide support
5.  Identify community’s needs and access barriers and assist in the developments of strategies to overcome these barriers
6.  Keep accurate records of contacts that can be used to create case profiles of consumers and the barriers they face accessing health care and coverage. 
7.   Provide the participants with physical training exercises
8.   Prepare diet charts for all participants in consultation with a dietician

For more information: Jagajit Singh, Director of Programs at (718) 434-3266 x122 or jsingh@copousa.org