September 12, 2024

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

“It is a time to share my story, of how growing up in a Cuban household taught me to embrace joy and live in the moment, taught me to cherish the freedom and beauty of different perspectives.”

Bethesda North Nurse Manager Carole Castillo is excited to spearhead efforts highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month, happening September 15 to October 15. As chair of SOMOS, the Hispanic/Latino employee resource group at TriHealth, she says this time in our country is special because it calls on people to reflect on the accomplishments, journeys, and influences that this very diverse population has made in the U.S. “It’s a time to intentionally reflect on the impact my Hispanic Heritage, as a first-generation Cuban American, has had on how I show up every day as a nurse, as a mother and wife, as a leader, and as a part of my community here in Cincinnati.”

The national profile of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States was officially elevated during the first national Hispanic Heritage week-long celebration in 1968. Twenty years later, it blossomed into the month-long celebration as we know it today. The extension of the celebration reflected rapidly growing communities living in the U.S. but also call the Caribbean, Central America and South America, home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population is over 60 million, making up nearly 19% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group.

Castillo says embracing two worlds is not a disadvantage, rather a strength. “What’s most beautiful about my culture is our ability to adapt while also honoring the traditions that keep us connected, through art, food, celebrations and language, no matter where we are in the world. My parents gave me the gift of speaking in two languages—English and Spanish—which empowers me to adapt and connect with two worlds. It brings me incredible joy and pride to be able to introduce myself to patients and their loved ones, who only speak Spanish, in our native language and see their reaction—of relief, of hope, and of understanding.”

This pride is a motivation of Castillo to promote the SOMOS mission to support, educate and increase opportunities for Hispanic/Latino team members. For this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, she encourages all team members to reflect and participate in learning more and experiencing more about Hispanic culture. Here’s a list of activities happening:

Salsa on the Square
September 19, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fountain Square

Su Casa Health Fair
September 22, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St. Clement School, 4534 Vine Street, St Bernard, OH 45217
TriHealth is a sponsor. We will have blood pressure checks & glucose screenings
To volunteer, sign up here

Hispanic Heritage Festival
September 28, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Princeton Viking Village
150 Viking Way, Cincinnati, OH 45246
TriHealth is a sponsor. To volunteer, sign up here

Nursing Grand Rounds Presents Unveiling Health Disparities: Beyond the Numbers
Thursday, October 10, 6:00 p.m.
Bethesda North Golder, dinner provided
Featured ERG speakers: Carole Castillo (SOMOS) and CJ Adams (PRISM & TAGS) RSVP here

Hispanic Volunteer Day
October 12, 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Roberts Academy, 1702 Grand Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Visit the Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber for more details

If you are interested in joining SOMOS, send an email to SOMOS@TriHealth.com. SOMOS meets for 60-minutes monthly via Teams. All are welcome!

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Posted by: Melanie Jackson2 on September 19, 2024
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