To celebrate the rich diversity and numerous contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th.
According to the Office of Minority Health, the September 15 date is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, and many Latin and Spanish-speaking countries also commemorate their indigenous people by celebrating Día de la Raza on October 12, which falls within these 30 days of celebration.
There are a few themes for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanicstar.org is focusing on “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.”
Hispanicstar points to the fact that Latinos are a primary contributing force to U.S. economic prosperity, and acknowledges that Latinos represent significant power for the nation and that they are the fastest-growing and second-largest portion of the population. The Hispanic community has powerful family and community values with robust social support systems that can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, they emphasize positive Latino progress “From Education to Politics…” and “Hispanic Progress is American Progress.”
The national theme chosen by federal agency partners and employment groups is, Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One. This theme reflects the diversity and united power that comes from being a part of the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. This theme also supports the Office of Minority Health’s commitment to advancing Better Health through Better Understanding for Hispanic and Latino individuals. This includes providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care so that individuals feel empowered to create better health outcomes for themselves and their communities.
Providing appropriate care is important as some chronic diseases and conditions disproportionately affect Hispanic and Latino populations. For example, the CDC highlights that Hispanics/Latinos are three times as likely to be uninsured, have a 66% higher rate of diagnosed diabetes, and are about 50% more likely to die from diabetes or liver disease than non-Hispanic Whites.
Advance works year-round to reduce and eliminate these disparities by offering resources, health education, and nutrition opportunities for many Hispanic/Latino community members to make its vision of “a world where every person is thriving, creating new possibilities and promising futures,” into a reality.
There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, including:
- Attending cultural events and festivals.
- Learning about Hispanic history and culture.
- Supporting Hispanic businesses and organizations.
- Celebrating Hispanic cuisine and music.
- Sharing Hispanic stories and traditions with others.
You can also partner and/or support Advance throughout the month, or take part in the 3rd Annual, Chicano Pride Ride on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at Road Runner Harley-Davidson, Goodyear. There will be great food, vendors, dancing, and lots of family fun as you learn more about Advance and support their mission.
