South Asian Public Health Association A Brown Paper: The Health of South Asians in the U.S.

Introduction

South Asians have origins in seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Broader definitions include those from Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar and Tibet. Approximately 2 million people of South Asian origin live in the United States according to year 2000 census data-a growth rate of 106% over the last ten years. Even though this population increase has created a demand for information, there is limited published literature about South Asian American health issues. Significant increases in population coupled with wide diversity within the South Asian community present a challenge for health care providers to respond to both community and individual needs adequately. Consequently, effective programming and services tailored to this emerging group are hindered. Professionals interested in South Asian health issues began to strategize at national and regional events in the mid-1990s, and conceived the idea to develop a white paper to uncover the specific health needs of this population.

Recognizing the importance of addressing the health and well-being of South Asian communities, a group of public health professionals and students formed the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) in 1998. SAPHA began as an Internet community through an on-line listserv, and today links over 360 professionals and advocates across the US. The enthusiasm from SAPHA's nationwide volunteer base led to the White Paper initiative - a review of health research and literature on South Asians in the United States. During development of the publication, the final product was renamed A Brown Paper: The Health of South Asians in the United States to better represent the people it discusses....

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