Theme:

Review the current state of affairs about health status and issues specific to the South Asian American community, including Asian Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Sri Lankan, locally and nationally, to develop ideas for culturally and linguistically appropriate access and service as well as to promote relevant advocacy for the creation of policies, educational programs and research initiatives to address health disparities.

Goals:

• Present an overview of known risk factors and prevention strategies in general and for this group in particular for addressing known and potential disparities related to health issues, such as: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Oral Health, Sexual Health, Mental Health, etc.

• Increase awareness of the value of culturally and linguistically sensitive services and effective community outreach programs to reduce health disparities.

• Provide a forum for a dialogue among health professionals to encourage data collection and research on South Asian American health status, issues and remedial strategies.

Content:

• Demographic profile and health status of South Asian Americans, challenges and recommendations.

• Cardiovascular Diseases in South Asians: Addressing Modifiable Risk Factors, Lifestyle Changes, and Areas of Further Research.

• The Diabetes Epidemic in South Asians: Assessing the Existing Data and Proposing Studies for the Future.

• A legislative and governmental agency perspectives on current or potential future policies, programs, priorities and funding opportunities to help understand and address disparities for the rapidly growing South Asian American community.

• Understanding Cultural Perceptions and Proposing Effective Preventative Health Measures through topical discussion of: Cancer, Infectious Diseases, Oral Health, Mental Health, Domestic Violence and Diet/Nutrition.

Target Audience:

Representatives of academic medical centers, hospitals, ambulatory care practices, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical, health care and food industries, federal, state and local governments, community-based organizations, consumer advocacy groups, health care professionals and other interested parties.

Accreditation:

The UMDNJ-Center for Continuing and Outreach Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The UMDNJ-Center for Continuing and Outreach Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

ACNP and AAPA accept AMA PRA category 1 credit from organizations accredited by ACCME.

This program has been reviewed and is acceptable for: 6 hours in category 2-A by the American Osteopathic Association;
6 CHE to meet the requirements for the renewal of the New Jersey Social Work license/certification; and .6 credit hours (approval pending) by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry.