¡Bienvenidos! From September 15 to October 15, the nation observes National Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and immense contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
HHM starts on September 15 to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, highlighting the roots of this vibrant, diverse heritage. What began as a week-long observance in 1968 was expanded to a month in 1988, recognizing that the stories and influence of Hispanic-identified communities are interwoven into every aspect of American life, including medicine and research.
Connecting with Nuestra Comunidad
At the TMC Library, we are committed to honoring and serving our Hispanic-identified patrons, students, staff, faculty, and health professionals. Our resources help foster a community of belonging and equip future leaders for cultural conscious practice:
- Clinical Connections: Full and meaningful connection with patients is paramount, and we offer tools to help you bridge language and cultural gaps for better health outcomes. Use our evidence-based clinical databases to find key resources on cultural competence and patient communication.
- Dejbord, P. T. (2020). Beginning medical Spanish: oral proficiency and cultural humility (First edition.). Routledge.
- Castilla-Puentes, R., & Falcone, T. (2022). Mental Health for Hispanic Communities: A Guide for Practitioners (R. Castilla-Puentes & T. Falcone, Eds.; 1st ed.). Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13195-0
- Garcia, N. M. (2025). LatinX Students in Higher Education: Re-Envisioning Student Success. Routledge.
- Reading for Fun: Need a fun break? Thanks to our partnership with the Harris County Public Library (HCPL), you can access a fantastic collection of Hispanic fiction and literature right here! Whether you want a thrilling novel or a rich cultural narrative, stop by our branch to discover your next great read. https://hcpl.net/locations/tmc
- Free Online Resources: Several independent organizations offer wonderful and often free resources for the community, which can be helpful tools for everyone here at the TMC Library.
- The Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence hopes to advance the behavioral health of Latino communities through the development and dissemination of culturally informed, behavioral health information, provision of training and technical assistance and directed support to expand the behavioral health workforce that serves Latino communities.
- UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through our unique combination of expert research, advocacy programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels.
- The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the premier science-based and community-driven organization that focuses on the best health for all. Community-based members provide services to more than 15 million Hispanics throughout the U.S. every year and national organization members provide services to more than 100 million people annually.
- Resources available at McGovern Historical Center: There are collections and exhibits that have historically highlighted the lives and works of Hispanic individuals.
- MS 184 Carlos Vallbona, MD papers is a collection housed at McGovern Historical Center that contains correspondence, course materials, slides; files from his 3701 Kirby office; and other material detailing the career of Dr. Vallbona as a pediatrician, educator, advocate, physical therapy and post-polio syndrome specialist.
- IC 058 Exhibit and Blog Post, was an exhibit at the TMC Library that has been kept alive through the blog post and the IC 058 Texas State Board of Medical Examiners records. The blog post highlights the story of Dr. Heisiquio Rodriguez, who lived in Rio Grande City, Texas, and letters from his application file stress the “extreme need” for medical practitioners in their underserved area.
- Resources available at the Digital Commons@TMC: There are many wonderful articles focusing on various topics, from works highlighting lives and works of Hispanic individuals to articles focusing on their health. To view some of the research, visit a selection published in the last 3 years. Some of the highlights include:
- Remigio Acevedo (2025). Culturally Centered, Primary Care Interventions for Effective Weight Management Goals in Hispanic/Latino Children. Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 101.
- Flores, Victoria A et al. (2025). Rationale for a 4-Month, Parallel-Group, Randomized Controlled Trial To Assess the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Remotely Delivered Exercise Training Intervention for Hispanics/Latinos With Multiple Sclerosis (FERLA MS). Pilot and Feasibility Studies. PMID: 40340698
- Amboree, Trisha L et al. (2023). Cervical Cancer Screening Among English- and Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Women in an Urban Safety Net Health System, 2015–2020. BMC Women’s Health. PMID: 37316815
Please join us as we celebrate this festive month, which is a beautiful opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich heritage that strengthens our institution and the Texas Medical Center.