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Washington DC – Today, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) commemorates American Heart Month to strengthen cardiovascular research, promote heart disease awareness, and improve health outcomes in South Asian communities. introduced a bill to establish a grant program that wouldof South Asia Heart Health Awareness Act This will raise awareness about the alarming rates of heart disease among South Asians across the United States, while also improving resources for all communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. . U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) introduced companion legislation in the House last year.
“Despite the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease in South Asians, their risk for heart disease is not widely understood by the medical community.” Senator Booker said. “This bill is an important step to advance important research on heart disease and support organizations working to improve heart health in at-risk communities across the country. Investing in research into communities that are disproportionately at risk is essential to reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease.”
“I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities, and as the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress, I have seen with my own eyes the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities, and as the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress, I have seen with my own eyes the devastating impact that heart disease has on our communities. We are committed to advancing understanding of Asian communities, while ensuring that all people living with them have access to the resources, treatment, and support they need.” said Rep. Jayapal. “No community should face disproportionate health risks due to a lack of research, understanding and awareness. We need research resources and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in South Asia and around the world. I will not stop fighting for this bill to make sure we have it.”
“Heart disease disproportionately affects certain populations, such as South Asian communities, and this bill will expand research and education that will benefit those communities. We are grateful that it passed the House of Representatives in multiple Congresses and look forward to its final passage.” said Congressman Joe Wilson.
Communities of color are particularly affected by heart disease, and South Asian Americans are particularly at risk. South Asian communities have the highest rates of death from heart disease and also have the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes when they are underweight compared to other races and ethnicities. Despite the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in South Asians, their risk for heart disease is not widely understood by the medical community. This has led to preventive measures that could improve the heart health of the community not being taken.
in particular, South Asia Heart Health Awareness Act $2 million will be allocated for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2029 for grant planning and implementation. These grants can be used to:
- Create culturally appropriate materials on topics related to heart health, such as nutrition, meal planning, and exercise.
- Support the heart health efforts of community organizations that work with disproportionately affected communities.
- Support research conferences and workshops on research practices, methodologies, and design that involve more members of communities disproportionately affected by heart disease in scientific research.
- Conduct research on cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases that affect at-risk populations.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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