Recently, with the help of Queens General Hospital, USSA had organised a health fair in New York. Since the newly arrived immigrants do not have access to affordable health care, many are ignorant of the importance of early detection for diseases like cancer and heart disease. To help the immigrants, multilingual doctors and interpreters were present at the venue to explain the tests and various health care options, said Gurpreet Singh, volunteer, USSA, in an online talk.

USSA is doing a lot of great work in empowering the immigrantsof Richmond Hill, he says. Other programmes include career counseling, after school homework help for immigrant children and classes for adults.

The recently-held health fair was part of a larger effort to establish a community centre in Richmond Hill. And it signified a concerted movement to help the underprivileged community that lives in the area.

``The Richmond Hill area in particular needs the services of USSA,'' says Pam Rinando, active member of USSA and New York City police officer. ``I have seen many faces of this community and am committed to its revival. The many social issues surrounding the locals surpass any racial and ethnic boundaries; they are just people in need of help.''

USSA's membership comes from many different ethnic and religious groups. Take, for instance, Harpreet Singh. Like many other Sikhs in the New York area, he takes time out of his busy professional career to help the less fortunate. Singh is a venture portfolio manager at Citigroup's e-Citi division and active memberof USSA.

``The health fair is for all groups. The Richmond Hill population houses so many disadvantaged people in need of valuable medical care and advice, anything we can do signifies a step forward for the well being of this much ignored, run-down community,'' said Singh.

The health fair provided screening for breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer, hearing, blood sugar, blood pressure and vision tests and dental checkups. Also, eligible people were provided with applications for free or subsidised health insurance.

USSA, which has been working in this direction for a few years now, has committed itself to the development of social and educational programmes at a community centre situated in Richmond Hill. And going by its track record, it's not an uphill task really.