Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts on Sunday, September 15.

"Latinos have had a lasting impact on our history and the health of our nation. We are the doctors, nurses, community health workers, and home care workers who help treat you when you are sick or struggling; the innovators and scientists testing the boundaries of what is possible and discovering new treatments and cures; the leaders who champion a society where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care – and strive every day to make it possible."

Becerra highlighted his pride in being part of an administration that acknowledges the contributions of Latinos and works to address issues crucial to the Latino community. He emphasized actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration over the past three years to expand healthcare access, reduce costs, close health equity gaps, and invest in underserved communities.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more than 5 million Latinos have gained access to quality, affordable health care. DACA recipients – who have worked hard to live the American Dream – can now, for the first time, sign up for health care. We have lowered prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. We have invested billions of dollars in behavioral health care, putting more counselors in schools and making 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available in Spanish."

Becerra also mentioned improvements in caregiving infrastructure and services for older adults and people with disabilities due to recent efforts. He noted initiatives aimed at protecting health from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, particularly for farmworkers and outdoor workers. Furthermore, investments are being made in workforce development to ensure Latino communities have adequate healthcare providers.

Despite these advancements, Becerra acknowledged ongoing challenges: "For all the progress we have made, there is still a lot of work to be done. Latinos are less likely than people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds to have health insurance. Many Latinos feel disconnected from our medical system due to cultural and language barriers, and a lack of Latino physicians — and those barriers can have a real impact on their overall health."

He pointed out that suicide rates among Latinos continue to rise while cancer remains their leading cause of death. Additionally, Latinos face higher risks of developing diabetes at younger ages.

"The Latino community totals more than 65 million across the United States today," Becerra concluded. "As we celebrate the Latino community and recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us continue to invest in the health and well-being of Latinos nationwide."