What is Hispanic Heritage Month? It’s a celebration of our story

Wondering what Hispanic Heritage Month is? In New Orleans and throughout the U.S., Hispanic heritage is nuestra historia—our story. During this important month-long observance, that story takes center stage.

How the Hispanic community shaped our city

NOLA wouldn’t be the city we love without centuries of contributions from Hispanic people. Their impact on our city runs deep. You can see it in the architecture of the French Quarter, the cuisine we love and many other aspects of our culture.

The story of our Hispanic community begins more than 250 years ago, when Spain controlled the city from 1763 to 1803. In the 20th century, cultural and trade ties and political unrest brought immigrants from Cuba and Honduras. More recently, many Latinos moved to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Each fall, New Orleans and the rest of the country recognize the vibrance and importance of Hispanic culture during national Hispanic Heritage Month. Join in by attending a local commemorative event, learning more about our Hispanic history or partnering with our Hispanic Health Center, the Centro Hispano de Salud, to achieve your healthiest self—and do your part to reduce health disparities in the Hispanic community.

Facts to celebrate: key things to know about Hispanic Heritage Month

A time to celebrate the heritage, histories and cultures of Americans with ancestral ties to Spain and the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year. The current observance became law on August 17, 1988, under President Ronald Reagan, but its roots stretch back further. Here are three facts to know about Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic Americans:

• An official national observance to celebrate Hispanic American and Latino heritage started in 1968. That year, the U.S. first observed Hispanic Heritage Week, during Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. The observance extended to 30 days two decades later.
• Hispanic Heritage Month encompasses the national days of independence of many Latin American countries. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico commemorates its independence one day later, followed by Chile on September 18.
• Hispanics are the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau. With 63.7 million people, Hispanics comprise 19.1% of the U.S. population.

Put your health at the center of Hispanic Heritage Month

Disparities in health and access to healthcare are significant problems for the Hispanic community. Health outcomes are generally worse for Hispanics than other adults in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance or access preventive care.

Use Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to prioritize your health. Steps you can take include:

• Find a physical activity to fall in love with. Heart disease is a leading health issue for Hispanic Americans. You can improve your heart health by exercising on most days of the week, which you’re more likely to do if you find an activity you’re excited about or can enjoy with others. This month, join a class at a local gym or try an activity you’ve always been curious about.
• Make small, healthy changes to your diet. Try prepping healthy meals on Sunday that you can eat for lunch or dinner throughout the week instead of turning to fast or processed foods. Look for opportunities to substitute healthy ingredients for fatty or high-calorie ones. Improving your diet may help reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, a major health concern for Hispanic Americans.
• Schedule an appointment with a West Jefferson Medical Center primary care provider. A yearly visit with a primary care provider through the Hispanic Health Center is one of the best ways to stay on top of your health.

Looking for a healthcare home designed to meet the needs of the Hispanic community? Schedule an appointment at West Jefferson Medical Center’s Hispanic Health Center (Centro Hispano de Salud).