Hispanic Heritage Month 2012

September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month – a time in which to learn, honor and pay tribute to the achievements of Hispanics throughout history.

Video vignettes and accompanying articles on InfoScope will be posted throughout Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight some of the Hispanic and Latino members of the MCW community and the contributions they have made. The stories highlight MCW programs that improve the health of underserved populations (including Hispanic and Latino), offer these populations improved access to health care and education, and reduce health disparities.

National Hispanic Heritage Month was created to celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Portugal, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Most heritage months take place within a particular calendar month, but Hispanic Heritage Month is held over parts of two months to incorporate significant dates within the Hispanic community:

• Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua;
• Sept. 16, the anniversary of Mexico’s independence;
• Sept. 18, the anniversary of Chile’s independence;
• Sept. 21, the anniversary of Belize’s independence;
• Oct. 12, Columbus Day; Columbus Day celebrates the day in 1492 when Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus discovered America.