Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15─Oct. 15
Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine are proud to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This celebration runs annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
With more than 7% of our workforce identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Penn State Health is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. The Hispanic Professional Association and the Multicultural Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), in collaboration with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, are leading several initiatives for both employees and the community throughout the month.
Health screening event
In partnership with Latino Connection, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine will host a preventive health screening event:
- Saturday, Sept. 14
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Tri-County Community Action Commission, 1514 Derry St., Harrisburg
This event coincides with the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration organized by the Latino Hispanic American Community Center. Services will include blood pressure screenings, glucose tests, a “Talk to the Doctor” opportunity, and information and resources on mental wellness. The event will feature music, food trucks and culturally tailored cooking demonstrations focused on nutritional education.
Access to care resources
Throughout the month, Penn State Health will provide guidance to patients on how to access telehealth services and to employees on how to access free services. These efforts to help reduce barriers that Hispanic and Latino families may face in achieving optimal health and wellness.
Provider spotlights
In collaboration with abc27, Penn State Health will showcase three provider spotlight videos highlighting the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino health care professionals.
Learn what Dr. Raul Vazquez Urrutia, a second-year resident, is doing to improve care for Hispanic patients at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Artistic and musical celebrations
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is teaming up with the Penn State College of Medicine Department of Humanities to include art and music in each regional celebration, reflecting the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observance in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. It honors the vital contributions Hispanic and Latino communities have made to the nation.
Hispanic Heritage Month aligns with the independence days of several Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, on Sept. 15. This month-long celebration pays tribute to the vibrant cultures of the Hispanic community and honors their enduring resilience and determination.
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