Washington Mental Health Counselors Association

National Hispanic Heritage Month & Suicide Awareness Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage month and celebrates the achievements, contributions, and culture of this very diverse and second-largest ethnic group in the United States. US Department of Human Services Office of Minority Health
 

National Museum of the American Latino

The beginning of the month long period coincides with the independence anniversaries from Spanish colonial rule of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica , El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th and Chile and Belize celebrate on Sept 18th and 21st.  National Museum of the American Latino

As a nation we celebrate and honor the many, many ways in which Hispanic and Latinx people have enriched US culture as well as contributed their strengths and character as a people HispanicResearchCenter.org.

However, our recognition goes beyond celebration—it is also a call to action for allyship and understanding, particularly within the realm of mental health. We recognize the responsibility of our role as mental health professionals to mitigate and advocate for the elimination of the on-going effects of structural violence (health, economic, gender, and racial disparities)* in this country which continue to expose Hispanic and Latinx people to the effects of intergenerational trauma Intergenerational trauma in Latinxs: A scoping review. And systemic inequalities can make it difficult for individuals to access the care they need. “As documented by the U.S. surgeon general’s report on mental health, racial and ethnic minorities have less access to mental health services than white people, are less likely to receive needed care and are more likely to receive poor-quality care when they are treated.” NAMI.org/racial disparities in mental health

In solidarity, as we continue to listen and learn, we will foster safe spaces to address this work. And we humbly seek to understand and respect cultural nuances to ensure our support systems are equitable and truly responsive. 

*From chapter 7 of Violence: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Cures


Holly-Marie St. Pierre, MA, LMHC

WMHCA Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member

Suicide Awareness Month

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time for us as counselors to reflect on one of the most difficult and important aspects of our work. We are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis, and it’s crucial that we continue to have open, honest conversations about suicide to help break the stigma that keeps so many from reaching out for help.

For those outside the field, understanding the importance of suicide awareness is key to creating a community that can recognize the signs of distress and respond with compassion. When we break down barriers to talking about mental health, we help build a safer space where people feel more comfortable sharing their struggles and asking for the support they need.

As mental health practitioners, our role in raising awareness is vital. By engaging in campaigns, sharing resources, and challenging harmful stereotypes, we can help foster an environment where emotional struggles aren’t hidden in shame. This month is also an opportunity for us to focus on education and training—not just for ourselves, but for the broader community. When people know that help is available, it can truly save lives.

While Suicide Awareness Month shines a light on these issues, our commitment to creating a world that values mental health and well-being must continue year-round. Let's make sure the message is clear: support is out there, and no one has to face their pain alone.

Jennifer S Kennett, PhD, ACS, LMHC, MBA

President, WMHCA


Suicide Prevention Resources