Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the United States from September 15th to October 15th in order to commemorate the accomplishments, narratives, customs, and cultural variety of Hispanic/Latino Americans.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Office of Minority Health (OMH), is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Latino/Hispanic individuals by offering healthcare services, information, and resources that are culturally and linguistically suitable. This commitment stems from the belief that being knowledgeable leads to improved health. By equipping patients with information that is tailored to their cultural and linguistic needs, they are empowered to attain better health results for both themselves and their communities.
People who cannot access quality medical care have a higher likelihood of experiencing premature death and chronic conditions. Various factors, such as lack of medical insurance, limited access to preventive care, and linguistic and cultural barriers, contribute to the health disparities among Latinos/Hispanics. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 16% of Latino/Hispanic adults reported their health as fair or poor in 2022, compared to 13.5% of non-Hispanic white adults. On average, Hispanics/Latinos of American origin are likely to live 1.3 years less than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Overall, the health status of Hispanics/Latinos in America is generally inferior.
Spain, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, as well as Central and South American countries, are the ancestral homelands of the population that represents 18.8 percent of the total population of the country. Hispanic/Latino Americans of Hispanic/Latino origin constitute the largest ethnic minority in the United States. They form a united community that strengthens the inherent diversity of the Hispanic/Latino population and reinforces the power it achieves. We are one, we are all, this year’s national theme.
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About National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15th to October 15th, the celebration extended by President Ronald Reagan in August, known as Hispanic Heritage Month in English, originally began in 1968 during President Lyndon Johnson’s mandate. Today, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
The United States also celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, which commemorates the indigenous peoples’ connection to their Hispanic-speaking countries. Additionally, several Latin American countries celebrate their independence days on September 16th and October 12th respectively. These countries include Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and others. The significance of September 15th as the anniversary of their independence reflects the diversity within the Hispanic population in the US.