The Hispanic Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging with communities. This series of events has promoted the value of culture as a protective factor for mental health and recovery within Hispanic and Latine populations.
As part of our collaborations with community-based organizations that belong to the Latino Health Council of Dane County, Wisconsin, we were celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on September 24, 2024. This activity gave us the opportunity to promote the behavioral health services that El Centro offers to the Hispanic and Latino populations in the area. The Center is an organization founded in 1983 by Ilda Thomas and other members of the community to provide assistance to refugee populations. Currently, they provide support to families to achieve their personal and professional goals.
The H/LBH CoE celebration extended to Houston, Texas with The Council on Recovery. There we began with a press conference with management representatives, Mary Beck (CEO) and Diane Arms (Director of Community Behavioral Health), exalting the importance of commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. The recognition of the efforts, achievements and challenges of our communities makes visible the importance of having behavioral health services available on equal terms with other cultures. So, we were emissaries of the services that The County on Recovery offers to our populations, mainly for problematic substance use.
This center with each collaboration and effort reaches more than 1,000 participants every year to provide substance use prevention services, address stigma, and share success stories on the road to recovery. The mission remains to continue working diligently to expand services for Hispanic and Latino communities.
As we concluded our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the H/LBH CoE reflected on the meaningful connections we’ve fostered within our communities. This series of events has highlighted the profound role of culture as a protective factor for behavioral health and recovery among Hispanic and Latine populations. Together, we’ve embraced our shared heritage, reinforcing the importance of cultural identity in supporting mental well-being.
As part of our collaborations with community-based organizations the last activity belonged to the Latino Behavioral Health Services, we celebrated with a vibrant event that spotlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the Latine community. Employees shared their personal stories, connecting visitors with their roots through music, food, and heartfelt conversations. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, creating a sense of belonging that resonated deeply with everyone present. We emphasized the significance of cultural heritage in shaping identities and fostering resilience, encouraging attendees to embrace and celebrate their history. This gathering not only marked the end of a month-long campaign but also ignited a renewed passion for promoting equity and understanding in our community.
