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From September 15 to October 15, HispanicHeritage Month 2022 celebrates the theme of Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) joins with the White House, the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Smithsonian Institution in honoring the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively enriched the United States of America. Indeed, by recognizing the achievements of the Hispanic community nationwide, we celebrate an essential part of this country’s history.

According to the latest U.S. Census data, the Hispanic population stands at 62.1 million, making Latinos the largest minority group in the United States. Given that several regions of the United States were originally established and populated by individuals from Spain and Mexico, it is not uncommon to see that cultural influence reflected in the names of several of our States (e.g., Florida and California). Customs from these regions continue to be observed nationally to this day. Indeed, celebrations nationwide trace their roots to Hispanic and Latinx origins.

At the outset, Hispanic Heritage Month heritage begins as Hispanic Heritage Week. Established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles, the nationalization of the observation period was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, the commemorative week expands to a month (September 15 to October 15) by legislation sponsored by Rep. Esteban Edward Torres (D–Pico Rivera) and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

Hispanic Heritage Month and the Roots of Many Nations

Hispanic Heritage Month, or, if you prefer, Latinx Month, celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of residents of the United States. They trace their ancestry to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The start of the celebration on September 15 is significant because it represents the anniversary of independence for most Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16 when in 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, delivered the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), which demanded Mexico’s independence from Spain.

A brutal and bloody conflict, the Mexican War of Independence lasts until 1821. Chile celebrates its Independence Day on September 18, 1810. The country declares itself independent from Spain.

Observing Hispanic Heritage Month in 2022

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the United States military honors fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage in the U.S. military are Medal of Honor winners. Moreover, as a symbol of outstanding achievement and courage, it remains the highest military recognition. As a provider of treatment services for veterans and active military members, TTC honors the sacrifice and service of these Hispanic veterans.

In 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring September 15 to October 15, 2021, as Latino Heritage Month. Chronicling the diverse history of the Latinx population, Latino Americans, a PBS documentary series, is worth watching. Additionally, a nationally syndicated public radio program distributed by NPR, Latino USA, offers a diverse set of Latinx voices. Moreover, these voices illuminate the current cultural, political, and social issues affecting the Latinx and Hispanic communities. Indeed, with a bit of Google research, there is a bounty waiting. There are many ways to observe and honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

Tarzana Treatment Centers and Hispanic Heritage Month

In 2022, Tarzana Treatment Centers celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since the beginning, TTC has served the Latinx community across Southern California, including providing services in Spanish. The nonprofit organization focuses on providing integrated healthcare services to underserved communities, so TTC allies itself with our Latinx brothers and sisters. According to Psychology Today, TTC is known for providing quality access to substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health (M.H.) treatment services for Spanish-speaking people.

Indeed, Hispanic Heritage Month teaches us that everyone in the United States deserves first-rate healthcare services. Moreover, language should never be a barrier to saving a life. If you or a loved one needs help, please contact us today.