Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Breaking Stigmas and Nurturing Mental Health   

The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15, which is Independence Day for several Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) and the day before Mexico’s Independence Day – that’s why the celebration month runs September 15 to October 15, rather than the first to the end of a month. As we come together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s an ideal time to reflect not only on the rich cultural tapestry that shapes the Hispanic/Latinx community but also on an equally important aspect of well-being: mental health. The Hispanic and Latinx communities have made countless contributions to our nation’s culture and history, but it’s also crucial to address the unique mental health challenges faced by individuals within these communities.