National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year in the U.S. from September 15 – October 15 to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino Americans.
The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is committed to advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Hispanic/Latino individuals by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information, and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities.
Although Hispanic/Latino Americans are likely to live an average of 1.3 years longer - PDF than their non-Hispanic white counterparts, they are generally in poorer health: CDC data shows that in 2022 approximately 16 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults were in fair or poor health, compared to 13.5 percent of non-Hispanic white adults. Hispanic/Latino health is shaped by several factors , including language and cultural barriers, lack of access to preventative care, and lack of health insurance. People who lack access to quality health care are less likely to receive preventative care and more likely to have chronic health conditions and die prematurely.
This year’s national theme, Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One - [PDF] reinforces the diversity inherent within the Hispanic/Latino population, as well as the power that comes from being a united community. Hispanic/Latino Americans are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S., representing 18.8 percent of the total U.S. population, and include people who trace their heritage to Spanish-speaking countries in South and Central America, as well as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Spain.
Join OMH as we highlight resources and data focused on advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Hispanic/Latino Americans:
- Share OMH’s Hispanic/Latino Population Profile to spread awareness about the unique health concerns impacting Hispanic/Latino Americans.
- Visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s website to learn more about the heritage of this diverse community.
- Visit the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics website to learn how the federal government is advancing educational equity and economic opportunity for Hispanic/Latino students, families, and communities.
Hispanic/Latino Health Disparities
Hispanic/Latino Americans have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the U.S. In 2022 - PDF, the estimated uninsured rate for Hispanic/Latino adults was 27.6 percent compared to 7.1 percent for non-Hispanic Asian, 7.4 percent for non-Hispanic white, and 13.3 percent for non-Hispanic Black adults.
Leading causes of death among Hispanics/Latinos include cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2022, over 10 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults reported not getting needed medical care in the past 12 months due to cost, compared to 5.2 percent of non-Hispanic white adults.
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The observance we celebrate as Hispanic Heritage Month originally started in 1968, as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In August 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover 30 days starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month reflects the diversity within the U.S. Hispanic population. September 15 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, respectively. Additionally, many Latin and Spanish-speaking countries commemorate their indigenous people by celebrating Día de la Raza on October 12, which also falls within these 30 days.
Last Edited: 12/03/2024