The Indian Nurses Association of New York (INANY), the leading professional organization representing nurses of Indian origin across the New York metropolitan area, marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a vibrant community health fair at the United Methodist Church in Port Richmond, Staten Island. The event reflected INANY’s long-standing commitment to community service, health education, and equitable access to care.
In partnership with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), INANY welcomed residents for a day dedicated to health maintenance, disease prevention, and early detection. Expert nurses and nurse practitioners from INANY provided free screenings—including blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose checks—while offering personalized education on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Dr. Shyla Roshin, President of INANY, emphasized the importance of empowering communities with knowledge, noting that the fair helped “raise awareness among scores of neighborhood residents about the value of regular medical checkups and timely follow-up care.” She highlighted that routine visits to primary care providers can prevent complications, support early diagnosis, and improve long-term health outcomes.
The impact of these events was underscored by a past participant who credited INANY volunteers with saving her life. After volunteers noticed concerning vital signs during a screening, they urged her to seek prompt medical care. A subsequent evaluation revealed she had suffered a mild stroke; thanks to that early detection, she was able to receive treatment and avoid serious complications.
This year’s dedicated volunteer team included Dr. Shyla Roshin, Reena Sabu, Suma Joseph, and Staten Island coordinator Aleyamma Mathew, each contributing their clinical expertise to the community’s well-being.
INANY continues to expand its footprint across New York, hosting annual health fairs in Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, and Rockland counties. As the New York chapter of the National Association of Indian Nurses in America (NAINA), the organization’s reach extends beyond events to include continuing education, scientific research, nursing scholarships, and advocacy work with the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families.
