Q U I T Y S U M M I T

About Us

The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) is an umbrella organization that supports and advocates on behalf of existing as well as emerging South Asian agencies, groups, and communities in order to address their diverse and dynamic needs CASSA’s goal is to empower the South Asian Community CASSA is committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination from Canadian society

About the Summit

The Annual Health Equity Summit, hosted by CASSA, is dedicated to addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, with a particular focus on South Asian and other racialized groups This highly anticipated event serves as a platform for key stakeholders, including experts, community leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates, to come together and collectively work towards achieving health equity

The Summit explores a diverse range of pressing health topics, covering areas such as chronic diseases, mental health & addiction, sexual health, social determinants of health (SDoH), policymaking, advocacy, and best practices These comprehensive discussions shed light on the underlying causes of health disparities and facilitate the development of effective strategies to address them.

Characterized by vibrant exchanges of knowledge, experiences, and ideas, the Summit creates a transformative environment where diverse voices are heard, collective wisdom is harnessed, and equity-focused strategies are conceptualized. It serves as a catalyst for mobilizing efforts to achieve health equity, ensuring equitable and quality healthcare services for all

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote health equity by addressing disparities and advocating for equitable healthcare for all individuals and communities Grounded in a comprehensive analysis of the SDoH, we strive to create meaningful impact through collaborative strategies and community engagement

Key elements of our mission include:

Advocacy: We advocate for improved health outcomes and reduced disparities, focusing on South Asian and other racialized communities.

Accessible, Anti-oppressive and Culturally Responsive Care: We promote culturally and linguistically accessible healthcare strategies, ensuring quality care without barriers

Mental Health Support: We develop tailored mental health tools and resources for South Asian communities, addressing their unique challenges

Research and Disaggregated

Data: We support research initiatives and data collection that highlight health disparities and promote evidence-based solutions.

Empowerment and Well-being: We champion healthcare services that empower South Asians to thrive and lead fulfilling lives

Embarking Our 12th Year

We are thrilled to announce that CASSA is embarking on our 12th year hosting the Annual Health Equity Summit

Over the past three years, in response to the ongoing pandemic, we have successfully transitioned to a virtual format. This fall, however, we are optimistic about the possibility of hosting an in-person event with a potential for a hybrid setup This Summit will feature a full day of impactful presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and networking

For more information on speaking opportunities for the plenary or breakout sessions, as well as attending the event, please subscribe to our newsletter on our website Alternatively, you can reach out to our Project Manager, Mahdiba Chowdhury, at mahdiba@cassa on ca