On April 30th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discussed the growth of the Asian population in the state as well as the many challenges facing the community. [I have witnessed] “a wide range of increasing needs and challenges facing…
Life Uninterrupted: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
On Wednesday, March 31st, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma took part in a panel discussion regarding breast cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among American women and which one out of eight women in America will develop in…
South Asian American Community Health Forum: Women’s + Sexual and Gender Minority Health Panel
On March 25th, 2021, SAAPRI hosted a virtual community forum regarding the health in our communities. Led by health professionals and policy advocates, this event catered to South Asian women and sexual and gender minorities in Chicago. There was a…
South Asian American Community Health Forum: COVID-19 Impact and Vaccine Rollout
On February 4th, 2021, SAAPRI held a community health forum with an esteemed panel of healthcare professionals and health policy experts. The event focused on sharing some critical information on the impact COVID-19 has had and what our community members…

2020 Impact Report – Learning from 2020 and Looking to 2021
2020 Red Saree Virtual Gala
On December 12th, 2020, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma had the opportunity to join health and wellness advocates at the 2020 Red Saree Virtual Gala, celebrating the outreach activities and accomplishments of Red Saree, Inc. South Asians develop heart disease…
Statement on Black Lives Matter movement
In the midst of a pandemic that is altering the course of human history, the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25th, 2020 has outraged and brought our communities together like never before. The past…
Town Hall: Mental Health and Civic Engagement in the South Asian Community
On May 21st, 2020, SAAPRI held its first virtual town hall event in partnership with UChicago MannMukti. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the town hall focused on South Asian mental health, civic engagement, and the connection between the two.…
South Asians Aging in America
On May 18th, 2019, SAAPRI hosted a community dialogue titled “South Asians Aging in America.” Community members, leaders, and stakeholders joined this critical gathering to discuss the unique challenges and intersections of multigenerational caregiving, disability, health, and aging in the…
Statement on Terror Attack at New Zealand Mosques & Chicago Peace Vigil
On March 15th, 2019, many of us woke up to news of a horrific attack on Muslim worshippers at the Linwood Mosque & Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. This act of terror resulted in the murder of at least 49 people and 20…