Bill Overview
Title: South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to establish programs that support heart-disease research and awareness among communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, including the South Asian population of the United States. The programs include (1) grants to states for awareness initiatives and educational materials; and (2) research regarding heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other heart health-related ailments with respect to the South Asian population and other at-risk populations.
Sponsors: Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People of South Asian descent
Estimated Size: 4000000
- The bill focuses on heart disease awareness and research, targeting communities disproportionately affected by heart disease.
- South Asians are highlighted as a key population in the United States impacted by heart disease.
- The bill includes grants and programs specifically aimed at the South Asian population, indicating they are a primary target population globally and within the U.S.
- Other at-risk populations besides South Asians might also be indirectly targeted, mainly within the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets the South Asian population and is expected to improve their awareness about heart disease and access to research materials, which could potentially enhance their wellbeing.
- Given that heart disease is a leading cause of mortality, increasing awareness and research can have a pronounced effect on extending life expectancy and improving quality of life among those directly targeted by this policy.
- It is important to also acknowledge that not all individuals from the South Asian community might experience a positive impact, and some might not engage extensively with the awareness materials or programs due to various personal or socio-economic reasons.
- While the primary focus is on South Asians, secondary benefits might occur for other minority groups that have similarities in predisposition to heart disease.
- We also considered that a portion of the population may not feel directly impacted by this policy due to either a lack of risk factors for heart disease or personal disconnect from the targeted health initiatives.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (New Jersey)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that there's a program focusing on South Asians. Heart disease runs in my family.
- Increased awareness and knowledge could help me manage my health better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Teacher (California)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but having more targeted information would be beneficial.
- I hope they also provide information tailored for women.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Business Owner (Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could provide helpful research and advice tailored to my background.
- I'm already dealing with diabetes, so any added help with heart health is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
PhD Student (Washington)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the policy, primarily because it opens up more research I'm interested in.
- I'll definitely look into any new findings, especially concerning genetic factors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Chef (Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm somewhat indifferent due to no personal impact expected.
- More important for those with a family history, I suppose.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (New York)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The focus on South Asians is very much needed, given our health statistics.
- Improved awareness can hopefully reduce future surgeries for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Accountant (Florida)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that encourages healthy living is positive.
- I hope it includes information for athletes as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Sales Manager (Ohio)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Personally, I don't see a need for it because I don't have health issues related to this.
- However, societal improvement in health is always good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Surgeon (New Jersey)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might improve patient outcomes in my practice.
- Understanding unique cultural and genetic factors can improve treatment plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Stay-at-home mom (Texas)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that new awareness could help my husband manage his condition better.
- I'm looking forward to any seminars or materials provided.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 3: $23000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $28000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- The program may need to adapt outreach strategies to effectively reach the South Asian population.
- Research outcomes could vary greatly in impact and take several years to realize.
- Long-term savings might depend on the successful implementation and adoption of awareness and prevention measures.