The South Asian Colon Cancer Health Initiative (SACCHI) Project, funded by a grant from Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens), aims to bridge health disparities and reduce colon cancer cases among South Asian seniors in New York’s 3rd Congressional District. From July 2023 to July 2024, India Home spearheaded this initiative with a variety of impactful activities:
Educational Videos
Design and Publication of Materials:
India Home created culturally sensitive video campaigns and brochures in 7 major languages spoken in NYC, focusing on South Asian languages. These brochures aim to raise awareness about the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among South Asians and emphasize the importance of prevention. These materials are publicly available for distribution.
English
Educational Brochures
Healthcare Expert Interviews
Community Education:
Experts were invited to conduct educational sessions on the ethnic channels for South Asian seniors Eastern Queens and Nassau, emphasizing the significance of colon cancer screenings within the community.
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Dr. Aasma Shaukat and Ashish Malhotra discuss Colon Cancer Awareness on JUS LIVE
Dr. Kalyani Dhar & Sumi Sarkar feature on TBN24
Dr. Kaumudi Somnay feature on ITV Gold
Physician Engagement Events
Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi Founder of India Home
Dr. Bharati Kochar Gastroenterologist and affiliated at Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi Founder of India Home
Dr. Mithi Hossain Uddin, Internist
Peer Encouragement:
South Asian seniors who have undergone colonoscopies shared their experiences to encourage others to prioritize colon cancer screenings, leveraging the power of peer influence.
Facilitation of Testing and Procedures:
India Home provided assistance to patients seeking screening procedures by offering SACCHI facilitators.
Assessment and Evaluation:
India Home conducted pre- and post-intervention evaluations to gauge the effectiveness of the project in shifting attitudes towards colon cancer screening among South Asians aged 50 and above in NYC. The ultimate goal is to establish sustainable health programming for the community.
Through the SACCHI Project, India Home worked diligently to address health disparities and promote proactive measures to combat colon cancer within the South Asian senior community in NYC.