Friday, February 23, 2024
Dr. Malinee Neelamegam, assistant professor of population and community health at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s School of Public Health, has been elected to the executive council of the South Asian Public Health Association. Neelamegam’s appointment to this position reflects her dedication to advancing public
health initiatives within the South Asian community.
With a research focus on understanding aging in communities facing health disparities, Neelamegam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Having previously served on the SAPHA board as co-chair of the development and sustainability committee, she now steps into the role of executive council treasurer.
As an immigrant of South Asian descent, Neelamegam is passionate about improving health outcomes of the South Asian community. She currently serves as principal investigator for a pilot grant funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities through the HSC Institute for Health Disparities, investigating the role of acculturation stress, social isolation and age-related outcomes among South Asian immigrants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
“South Asians are one of the fastest-growing minority populations in the U.S., yet they are severely underrepresented in clinical and public health studies. My goal is to shed light on this and improve representation of this population in public health research. It is an honor to continue working with SAPHA to represent South Asian voices at a national level,” Neelamegam said.
SAPHA, the leading voice on public health issues impacting South Asians in the United States, is dedicated to promoting health equity and well-being within diverse South Asian American communities. The organization aims to address unique challenges facing South Asians and advance opportunities for optimal health. With more than 25 years of experience in addressing public health issues impacting South Asians, SAPHA plays a crucial role in highlighting the public health needs of the community.
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Sally Crocker