ASIA OVER LUNCH LECTURE – Noon in 4130 Posvar. Please feel free to join us for this lecture – all are welcome to bring their lunch or a snack along if you wish and enjoy!

In every country, in every culture and in every ethnic population a number of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, etc. are common. The patients suffering from these diseases receive medical attention and treatment. The society at large and close family members of patients with these types of diseases do their best to comfort and treat the patients. No stigma is attached to those who suffer from these diseases. However, there are other types of disorders or diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or HIV infection that are not easily accepted as medical problems and persons afflicted with these types of disorders are many times rejected by society, family, and friends, while the existence of such diseases may even be kept secret. The Indian population in North America is not immune to these types of afflictions; approximately 1% of the Indian population suffers from schizo-affective disorders, and a significant number also suffer from alcoholism, substance abuse and other similar problems. This talk will try to bring into focus the need to develop information related to these types of problems in immigrant populations and what resources need to be developed to help individuals and their families to cope with the difficulties they face.

Please note that during the fall term, this series will be held on Wednesdays. In spring term, it will return to its usual Thursday schedule. Everyone is welcome to attend.