Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the contributions of generations of American citizens of Hispanic and Latin descent from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and South and Central America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the celebration to 30 days to recognize how integral Hispanic and Latin Americans are to the prosperity and cultural diversity of the United States. This year's Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”, is a reminder that diversity is our strength.
Accessing Equitable Health Care
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor our Hispanic and Latino patients and team members. As a healthcare system serving diverse communities across the nation, it is also a time to collectively reflect on opportunities to continue bridging the health equity gap. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to feel whole, but health disparities continue to impact Hispanic and Latino communities.
According to the CDC, health disparities are differences in health outcomes and causes among groups of people. Although life expectancy and overall health have improved in recent years for many Americans, not everyone is benefiting equally. Like many racial and ethnic groups, persons from Hispanic and Latino communities, have persistently higher rates of illness and death than the U.S. population as a whole.
We are committed to developing community-driven strategies that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Our community health needs assessments, which survey and assess the state of health in our communities, enable us to continuously understand and meet the needs of Hispanic and Latino populations. For example, by offering bilingual interpreters and health care providers, our Hispanic and Latino patients who speak a language other than English can receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Honoring Our Hispanic and Latino Patients
True healing begins when you feel safe, seen and heard. At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we strive to build trusting relationships between providers, patients and their families in all our interactions. Our expert, compassionate providers are waiting to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit. If you need personalized care that honors who you are, schedule an appointment today.
