NIAASC’s 33rd Mental Health Conference in collaboration with MAFS
The conference was held on 26th Aug 2022 in Naperville. National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) is an organization that serves to be the leading national information, referral, and advocacy committed to the well-being and quality of life of Indo-Americans in their senior years.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Founder, and Executive Director of MAFS welcomed all for coming to attend a very timely conference on mental health. She stated that mental health is a subject that is hidden under the sheet. Even though the pandemic has made mental health worse, it helped us to bring this topic to discuss at this conference and we have very specialized speakers on mental health. She also believed that mental health is not taboo, but it is a sensitive topic. All esteemed guests and panel of speakers addressed a very important issue that not just the senior community but all of us as a society are facing – the issue of Mental or behavioral health in the conference.
Ms. Gunjan Rastogi, President of NIAASC, in her speech told depression is something that can occur to anyone irrespective of age, gender, and status. Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad, Founder & Chairman, of NIAASC stated that NIAASC is not just a theory; it’s a practice. Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad honored Dr. Santosh Kumar by giving her a certificate of appreciation. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, M.D. a geriatric psychiatrist and Executive Director of India Home shared their journey of serving seniors in the New York area. Dr. Radhika L. Chimata, Psychiatrist & Neurologist shares her personal experience of treating mental health issues related to the South Asian community. The conference ended with a question-and-answer session which was handled by all the speakers patiently. The mental health screening was done at the end of the conference for Depression and Anxiety. All the speakers were honored with a shawl and the book ‘India Calling 2022’ by Dr. Santosh Kumar. Ms. Radhika Subramanian, Public Benefits Coordinator summed up the conference and gave a vote of thanks to all speakers, guests, and attendees.
