Asian Indians For Community Service, Inc.

A 501 C 3 non-profit organization established in 2004. Region of activity is greater Washington DC. The organization advocates for establishing equity through elimination of disparities, disease prevention, management of chronic diseases, facilitating access to health insurance (ACA), mental health and senior's needs. Partners with other organizations of the region to facilitate outreach and other activities.

The organization consists of an elected Board, Executive Director, Vice President of Health Care, a Standing Advisory Council, Vice President of Program Expansion, Vice President of Marketing and Fund Raising,Vice President Immigration and Social Determinants. A Treasurer, General Secretary, Adviser compliance matters plus 30+ active volunteers. members come from a varied background, like doctors, health care professionals, health research workers, lawyers, realtors, financial specialists, IT professional and so on. Most of the community outreach work is done by volunteers. Current Programs: 1. Diabetes and other Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs. The objectives are: improve quality of life, extend longevity, reduce hospital and drug costs, reduce intake of prescription medication, avoid or delay loss of limb and vision, improve mental health and social and family interactions, improve professional performance and maintain economic status and independence.

2. Awareness and prevention of Hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B is a deadly virus that can end up causing liver disease like cancer. It is highly contagious and can transfer from person to person in several ways. Around 13% of certain immigrant population and 3% and average Americans carry this disease, many a times without knowing until it manifests itself. Hepatitis C mostly occurs through blood transfusion and can be treated if detected. About 30% of senior citizens are carriers and must be encouraged to be tested.

3. Awareness and prevention of Lyme Disease. Maryland is right in the Lyme Disease belt. According to the CDC about 330,000 cases occur each year. 9 out of 10 cases are not reported or mis-diagnosed. Chronic form of the disease has no credentialed treatment. The community must be made aware of how to avoid the disease.

4. Mental Health:It is one of the most severe social malaise and is associated with social and cultural stigma in certain ethnic populations. Montgomery county is 53.7% minority majority county and the importance of mental health dialogue is very important.

5. Senior's Needs: The 65+ age group is the fastest growing population segment. removing barriers to senior's access to resources and facilities are a priority.

6. Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) enrollments. AICS is one of the leading organizations certified and appointed by the State for advocacy, counseling, community education and enrollment in Obamacare. For the current fiscal year AICS is also a Montgomery County Contractor for the enrollment and outreach for Obamacare.

7. AICS participates in the Cancer Crusade and enrolls people qualified for free cancer screenings.

8. Heart Health is another major area of concern and activity. AICS engages in community education on Heart Health.

9. We are partners with Holy Cross Hospital and with Kaiser in community benefits