09/18/2023

CASA Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanics or Latinos are the largest racial/ethnic minority population in the U.S. Since Sept. 15, 1968, the U.S. has annually honored the many contributions of its citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. What began as a week-long recognition is now a month long celebration.

Unfortunately, our Hispanic neighbors are often impacted by health disparities and a large percentage of Hispanic people say they have a family member or close friend who requires interpretation services or a Spanish-speaking health care provider.

We want to encourage our ASC members to think about the following priorities:

• Recognizing the importance of improving Hispanic health and wellness and addressing health inequities.
• Celebrating the incredible legacy of Hispanic healthcare professionals and their role as pioneers.
• Creating an inclusive and diverse environment for patients and workers.
• Working to provide culturally sensitive care, and ensuring there is access to Spanish-language information for patients and their families

CASA Member Spotlight

Alexis Yeverino
Sr. Business Office Manager
Pavilion Surgery Center

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

This month is important to me because it reminds me to take a step back and be thankful for the life, family and culture that surrounded me growing up and continues to surround me today. During this month, I reflect on the importance of being proud of who I am as a Hispanic, what my parents have achieved and the life they have provided for my family.

What does it mean to you to represent a minority community in the U.S.? What does it mean to you to represent a minority community while working in the healthcare industry?

Representing a minority community has been an uplifting experience throughout my life and in my career. Seeing so many Hispanic coworkers and leaders within the healthcare industry truly shows how far we all have come. It makes me proud to represent the culture as a young successful Hispanic woman within the industry.

What do you wish people understood more about Hispanic cultures?

The diversity within our culture is incredible. I didn’t get to see the fullness or the range of Latin American culture until I started dating my fiancé. His friend group was so diverse, I got the chance to meet people from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela. The different backgrounds gave me insights into new words, foods, and customs within their own culture.

Will you be doing anything to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? How do you suggest other non-Hispanic people could embrace or honor this month?

During the month, my family and I gather to create a Hispanic meal. We sit and reflect on how far we have come and really appreciate the culture we have grown up in. Some suggestions to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month include reading a book from a Hispanic author, learn and ask questions about the celebrations and traditions during this time, or go to a Hispanic Heritage Month festival. There are so many ways to celebrate this wonderful month.

Have you seen any noteworthy programs or projects in the healthcare industry that caught your attention that are aimed at encouraging equity and diversity in the workplace or in patient care?

Yes, there are a few foundations that have been focusing on advancing policies and procedures to improve healthcare within certain cultures. This helps with inclusion and improves health outcomes within these groups.