We mark Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) each year to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans and put a focus on better mental health services for their communities.
We echo the words in Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation:
“The 15 million Latinos who call our state home help California thrive. A diverse group with roots throughout Latin America and beyond, many Latino Californians also trace their heritage to the original Indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa. During Latino Heritage Month, we honor them and recognize all they have helped build in our state. They are our teachers and business owners, scientists and soldiers, farmworkers and first responders, artists and activists, colleagues and friends. Latino Californians make incalculable contributions to our neighborhoods, communities and every sector of the economy, and we are a greater and more vibrant place because of them. It is in part due to these extraordinary contributions that Latino Californians have borne a particularly heavy burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overwhelming number of Latinos who work on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 risk increased exposure to the virus. Coupled with generational health disparities, Latino Californians have faced devastating, disproportionate impacts due to this disease. This Latino Heritage Month, we soberly acknowledge these harms stemming from social and racial inequities and continue our commitment to tackling these disparities during this unprecedented health and economic crisis and beyond.” (en español)
Find out more about mental health challenges in Latinx communities.