SAMHIN is very involved in the South Asian community in the United States with the goal of improving their mental health. We conduct free mental health screenings and in-person and virtual workshops to improve our community’s understanding and awareness of mental illness and available treatments.
About the Mental Health Screenings
Mental health clinicians and non-clinical volunteers are an integral part of SAMHIN’s outreach team. Clinicians conduct screenings and assessments and provide support and education on mental illness, substance use, treatments, and referrals. Privacy and confidentiality are upheld, ensuring participants feel safe and secure while discussing their mental health concerns. Our team speaks South Asian languages to decrease language barriers. The outreach mental health screenings are great opportunities to raise mental health awareness and educate the community about mental health substance use issues, available resources, and coping strategies. Members of the SAMHIN team speak South Asian languages to decrease language barriers during the screening process.
Upcoming Events
If you would like to join us at a future event, please see the calendar of upcoming events.
2024 SAMHIN Events
![high-tech-hs-health-fair-may-2024 Mental Health and Wellness Fair - High Tech High School in Secaucus, New Jersey - May 29](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/high-tech-hs-health-fair-may-2024.jpg)
Mental Health and Wellness Fair – High Tech High School in Secaucus, New Jersey – May 29
SAMHIN joined other community organizations to promote mental health awareness at the Mental Health and Wellness Fair. Dr. Makhija, a psychiatrist and SAMHIN President, interacted with students to discuss mental health and substance use. Students enjoyed the engaging atmosphere with music and fair activities while absorbing valuable information. Educational materials on mental health and substance use were distributed, and Dr. Makhija addressed their inquiries. Overall, it was a fantastic event that actively involved students in their learning journey. See event photos
![mental-health-screenings-guruvayoorappan-temple-may-2024 Mental Health Screenings – Guruvayoorappan Temple in Morganville, NJ May 18](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/mental-health-screenings-guruvayoorappan-temple-may-2024.jpg)
Mental Health Screenings – Guruvayoorappan Temple in Morganville, NJ May 18
The SAMHIN team joined other specialists in a free health fair at Guruvayoorappan Temple. Psychiatrists and psychologists provided mental health screenings and evaluated people who presented mental health issues. We also provided helpful resources, including free printed materials. The event was important in early detection and prevention of mental illness. It addressed issues of stigma and offered guidance, support, and hope. There was education on mental illness and substance use including the importance of naloxone in opioid overdose. Free naloxone was provided when requested. The event included health screenings for blood sugar, vision, diet, and nutrition. In addition, a physical therapist was available for assessment and guidance. See event photos
![model-minority-myth-rutgers-may-2024 Model Minority Myth - Impact on Mental health Care of the South Asians - Rutgers RWJ Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ - May 15](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/model-minority-myth-rutgers-may-2024.jpg)
Model Minority Myth – Impact on Mental health Care of the South Asians – Rutgers RWJ Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ – May 15
Shivani Ghokhale, a medical student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and representative of the Rutgers AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian origin) chapter, invited Dr. Vasudev Makhija, a psychiatrist and SAMHIN President, to address the issue of the model minority myth within the South Asian community. During the discussion, Dr. Makhija outlined the concept of the model minority myth and engaged in a dialogue highlighting its negative effects on mental health care in our community. Additionally, he provided suggestions on dispelling this myth. See event photos
![raag-rang-kal-ke-kalakar-may-2024 Mental Health Awareness at Kal Ke Kalakar Concert in Bridgewater, New Jersey - May 11](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/raag-rang-kal-ke-kalakar-may-2024.png)
Mental Health Awareness at Kal Ke Kalakar Concert in Bridgewater, New Jersey – May 11
SAMHIN sponsored Raag Rang’s yearly classical concert, Kal Ke Kalakar, featuring young artists, and aimed at nurturing future talents. The event was organized by Mitali Banerjee Bhawmik, an exponent of Hindustani classical vocal music. SAMHIN’s team attended the program and interacted with the audience to promote mental health awareness.
![mental-illness-mental-health-provider-families-may-2024 The House on Fire: Coping with Mental Illness in Families of Mental Health Providers, CME symposium - New York City - May 8](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/mental-illness-mental-health-provider-families-may-2024.jpg)
The House on Fire: Coping with Mental Illness in Families of Mental Health Providers, CME symposium – New York City – May 8
Drs. Vasudev Makhija and Ashok Khushalani presented to fellow psychiatrists on mental illness and suicide within families of mental health professionals. They explored the effects on the professionals and how they deal with such challenges. The discussion also delved into the obstacles encountered when navigating the U.S. mental health system and gaps in mental health care. The presentations offered insights into lessons learned, available resources, and coping strategies. Dr. Sunil Khushalani, Chair of the session, and Dr. Steve Sharfstein, Discussant, made insightful comments. After the presentation there was an interactive session with comments and audience questions. See event photos
![unmasking-alcoholism-in-south-asian-communities-may-2024 The Silent Sip: Unmasking Alcoholism in South Asian Communities, CME symposium - New York City - May 6](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/unmasking-alcoholism-in-south-asian-communities-may-2024.jpg)
The Silent Sip: Unmasking Alcoholism in South Asian Communities, CME symposium – New York City – May 6
Presenters addressed the extent of the substance use problem in the South Asian community and identified postcolonial and immigration effects on alcohol use. They also discussed the impact of pop culture and social media on alcohol use in this community and the impact of stigma and shame on alcohol use and help-seeking. Resources were provided. Dr. Makhija chaired the CME symposium. Drs. Harsh Patel, PGY3 Psychiatric Resident from Ocean University Medical Center; Komal Trivedi, Associate Chief Resident from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; and Wasib Malik, Chief Resident at Jersey Shore University Medical Center presented. See event photos
![south-asians-in-us-mental-health-care-may-2024 Challenges of South Asians in the U.S.: Impact on Help-Seeking and Mental Health Care, CME presentation - New York City - May 6](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/south-asians-in-us-mental-health-care-may-2024.jpg)
Challenges of South Asians in the U.S.: Impact on Help-Seeking and Mental Health Care, CME presentation – New York City – May 6
At the annual American Psychiatric Association convention, Dr. Makhija spoke at a continuing medical education symposium attended by psychiatrists. The presentation highlighted the challenges that South Asians face and outlined the deterrents to seeking help, such as the stigma and shame linked to mental illness and substance abuse. It also emphasized the importance of gaining a better comprehension of the South Asian culture and fostering a more informed approach when caring for them, aiming to enhance the treatment of South Asian patients dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse. Dr. Antony Fernandez was the Chair of the symposium. Dr. Vani Rao, Dr. Kamalika Roy, and Dr. Shirshendu Sinha also spoke about mental health challenges. See event photos
![Flower flower](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/Flower.jpg)
Understanding and Achieving Successful Aging – Virtual Event – March 27
SAMHIN collaborated with FOGA (Federation of Gujarati Associations of USA) to present a virtual seminar to more than 100 people on successful aging. Dr. Makhija, Snehal Shukla, and Ami Shah spoke about the positive and negative changes in the brain with aging. After defining what constitutes successful aging, they discussed coping with losses and how to achieve successful aging. Other topics included signs of stress and the importance of seeking help; the benefits of social interaction, optimism, physical activity; and the importance of religion, spirituality, and developing resilience.
![health-fair-march-2024 Mental Health Screening and Health Fair, Morganville, New Jersey March 31, 2024](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/health-fair-march-2024.jpg)
Mental Health Screening and Health Fair, Morganville, New Jersey – March 31
The SAMHIN team of clinicians and representatives from various specialties participated in a free health fair at Guruvayoorappan Temple. Psychiatrists conducted mental health screenings to assess individuals who expressed concerns. They offered guidance, support, and hope and provided valuable resources, including printed materials. Events like this play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of mental illnesses, addressing stigma, and educating attendees about mental health and substance use, highlighting the importance of naloxone in opioid overdose situations. See event photos
![medical-scholars-conference-march-2024 Mental Health Within South Asian Community at RWJ-Rutgers Medical Scholars Summit March 30, 2024](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/medical-scholars-conference-march-2024.png)
Mental Health Within South Asian Community – RWJ-Rutgers, New Brunswick, New Jersey – March 30
Dr. Makhija, representing SAMHIN, was invited to address the two-day Medical Scholars Summit conference organized by AAPI (American Association of Physicians from India) MSRF (Medical Student Resident Fellow), and AAPI PreMed. The well-coordinated event drew a significant turnout of physicians, medical students, residents, and fellows and featured numerous informative sessions. Dr. Makhija’s presentation focused on the lack of mental illness awareness within the South Asian Community, and discussed stigma, barriers to seeking help, and issues surrounding access to care. He highlighted various factors contributing to delays in seeking proper treatment and emphasized the importance of complementary and alternative therapies, while supporting the practice of complementary and alternative strategies like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and careful use of certain herbs. He cautioned against replacing conventional treatment for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Additionally, he addressed the heightened stigma associated with suicide loss and silent suffering experienced by affected families. Dr. Makhija also touched on the perils of the model minority myth and strategies to combat it. He emphasized the need for South Asian spiritual leaders to be more knowledgeable about mental health issues. Finally, participants were briefed on SAMHIN’s programs and their impactful contributions to the community. See event photos
![successful-agiing-virtual-event-march-2024 Understanding and Achieving Successful Aging virtual event](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/successful-agiing-virtual-event-march-2024.png)
Understanding and Achieving Successful Aging – virtual event – March 27
SAMHIN, in collaboration with FOGA (Federation of Gujarati Associations of USA), presented a virtual seminar on successful aging. Doctors Snehal Shukla, Ami Shah, and Makhija delved into the topic, with over 100 attendees. The discussion encompassed defining successful aging, strategies for coping with losses, recognizing the signs of stress, and the significance of seeking help when necessary. The benefits of social interaction, optimism, and physical activity were highlighted. The panelists also addressed the positive and negative changes in the aging brain and emphasized the importance of religion, spirituality, and resilience development. Watch event recording
![health-fair-guruvayoorappan-femple-feb2024 Mental Health Screenings and Health Fair in Morganville, NJ February 25](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/health-fair-guruvayoorappan-femple-feb2024.jpg)
Mental Health Screenings and Health Fair, Morganville, NJ – February 25
The SAMHIN team of mental health providers and volunteers conducted free, confidential mental health screenings at the Guruvayoorappan Temple in Morganville. Screenings were tailored for early mental illness detection and intervention and to decrease the stigma of mental illness. Clinicians conducted screenings and assessments and provided referrals and education on mental illness, substance use, and treatments. Other teams offered medical screening services like blood pressure, diabetes, and vision.
![Sky-Clouds Time To Talk Day virtual workshop for Wipro South Asian employees February 1](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/Sky-Clouds.jpg)
Time To Talk Day virtual workshop for Wipro South Asian employees – February 1
Dr. Makhija participated in an engaging dialogue on the impact of mental illness on life and the importance of speaking up about mental health. Wipro Engineering Edge arranged this program for its South Asian employees in the U.S. and other countries. Important issues discussed were how to prevent mental illness, early detection of mental illness, how to address issues of family members not understanding mental illness, the importance of speaking up, suicide risk and prevention. Helpful resources were also shared.
![south-asian-mental-health-talk-jan31 Understanding South Asian Mental Health virtual workshop January 31](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/south-asian-mental-health-talk-jan31.png)
Understanding South Asian Mental Health virtual workshop – January 31
SAMHIN collaborated with PsychSIGN (Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network) to present a 90-minute virtual workshop. Dr. Makhija and Muhammad Zeshan, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and an advocate of mental health, made presentations. Dr. Makhija discussed stigma and shame associated with mental illness, barriers to care, and misconceptions about mental illness in South Asians. Dr. Zeshan discussed dual identity, LGBTQ, gender identity, youth pressures with parents, and ways to facilitate discussions between parents and children.
![health-fair-guruvayoorappan-jan28 Mental Health Screenings and Health Fair January 28](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/health-fair-guruvayoorappan-jan28.jpg)
Mental Health Screenings and Health Fair, Morganville, NJ – January 28
The SAMHIN team of mental health providers and volunteers conducted free, confidential mental health screenings at the Guruvayoorappan Temple. Screenings were tailored for early mental illness detection and intervention and to decrease the stigma of mental illness. Clinicians conducted screenings and assessments and provided referrals and education on mental illness, substance use, and treatments. Other teams offered medical screening services like blood pressure, diabetes, and vision. See event photos
![rutgers-CAHPE-jan26 Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity January 26](https://samhin.org/wp-content/uploads/rutgers-CAHPE-jan26.jpg)
Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity (CAHPE), New Brunswick, NJ – January 26
Dr. Makhija and others from New Jersey and New York participated in the CAHPE one-day retreat at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research. Early-stage health research investigators, their mentors, and, most significantly, community stakeholders began a process of mutual understanding of the physical and mental health needs of Asian communities. The good news is that much research on the mental and physical health of Asians is being developed and planned.