From October 1st-2nd, 2024, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) VOICES 2024 Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together healthcare leaders, key stakeholders, and advocates to explore and discuss health equity and justice in eliminating disparities and supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and VOICES provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the SAAPRI report, “Breaking Barriers: Unpacking Breast Cancer Challenges & Triumphs for South Asian Americans.” This report is the culmination of a year-long campaign dedicated to uncovering the unique experiences, challenges, and barriers that South Asian American women face in breast cancer awareness, screening, and care. From extensive research and a powerful community survey to a three-part Breast Cancer Series, SAAPRI is committed to advancing health equity in the South Asian American community.
Shobhana also had the opportunity to co-facilitate a workshop titled “Non-Profit Best Practices Part B: Building Robust Nonprofit Operational Frameworks,” where she joined Ben Cabangun-Hice, Chief of Staff at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to help participants explore the top five essential strategies for creating strong operational frameworks that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their nonprofit organizations.
Thanks again to the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) the opportunity to engage with our West Coast partners as we celebrated and supported the amazing work that RAMS, Inc. has accomplished in San Francisco over the past fifty years by serving underserved populations and promoting equal access to culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services.