Indian American Impact Applauds House Committee Vote to Advance South Asian Heart Health Bill

Philadelphia, PA — Earlier today, a subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to advance the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act. The critical legislation would provide grants of up to $1 million per year to fund research and prevention of heart disease in South Asian communities.

South Asian Americans are four times more likely to suffer from heart disease than most people, and experience heart problems nearly decade earlier on average.

While South Asians make up only 23% of the global population, they account for 60% of all heart disease cases. And, tragically, the mortality rate for heart disease is a staggering 40% higher among South Asians.

Indian American Impact Executive Director Neil Makhija issued the following statement:

“This is a crucial piece of legislation for addressing the heart health crisis afflicting South Asian communities. Today’s vote is an important step in the right direction, and we strongly encourage the full Energy and Commerce Committee and House leadership to promptly move this bill along to consideration by the full House.

“We are grateful to Representative Jayapal for her leadership and advocacy in addressing this major problem in our communities, and look forward to bipartisan passage in the House, followed by swift adoption in the Senate.”