Mental Health, Trauma, and Cardiovascular Risk Within South Asian Diaspora.

South Asian immigrants in the United States face disproportionate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, rooted in multidimensional trauma stemming from immigration stress, sociocultural stigma, and systemic discrimination. This paper situates these health disparities within a broader public mental health crisis, examining the intricate relationship between chronic psychological stress, intergenerational trauma, and CVD outcomes. Applying theoretical frameworks such as intersectionality and allostatic load, we explore how cumulative biopsychosocial consequences contribute to the co-morbidity of CVD and mental health disorders in South Asian communities. The study highlights SAWC-Boston's community-based public mental health intervention, which employs culturally grounded, trauma-informed strategies to address these complex health challenges. This intervention serves as a model for addressing health disparities through community-centered approaches.