What is PASHA?

The Persian American Society for Health Advancement (PASHA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by students at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in conjunction with Dr. Mohamad Navab, professor of Cardiology.

PASHA is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 by students at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Since its inception, PASHA has aimed to realize its mission through ongoing projects and activities. We have held numerous health education seminars at UCLA given by expert physicians on topics ranging from heart disease and cancer to vision care. Through health screening programs at local Iranian events, we have raised awareness about healthy living. More recently, under the supervision of healthcare professionals, trained PASHA students have provided educational information on the detection and prevention of disease at Iranian senior citizen centers. In conjunction with the UCLA School of Public Health, we are studying the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Iranian-American youth about sexuality and sexual health with the goal of delivering programs to promote safe sex in this community.

PASHA’s bone marrow committee has worked diligently with the Persian American Cancer Institute to create a bone marrow registry for Iranians and find appropriate matches for those in need of a bone marrow transplant. Finally, through our collaboration with organizations like the International Society for Children with Cancer and Relief International we have raised funds and provided medical therapy for cancer stricken children in rural Iran and relief for victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January of 2010.

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Mission

Our mission is to promote health within the Iranian community. As part of a global community, we also strive to address pertinent health problems around the world and involve Iranians in such efforts. Our ultimate aim is to:

  • Improve health and well-being among Iranians locally and internationally by providing health education, offering health services, and developing sustainable health programs.

  • Engage the Iranian community in local and global health efforts.

  • Empower individuals interested in addressing global health problems through training and mentorship programs.

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Vision

We envision a disease-free world in which Iranians are involved in health efforts within their local communities and around the globe.

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Partners