The theme for 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, seeks to recognize the trailblazers who have paved the way for all who have followed. This theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and our history, while building up the generations that will follow our lead in the future.  

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equitorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. 

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon Johnson, and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact Hispanic and Latinx people have made in our nation. We honor those who inspired others to dream, study, work, serve and succeed. For us at COMHAR, this also means acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating the proud legacy of Hispanics dedicated to the members and residents of COMHAR.

Please take a moment to thank all of COMHAR’s Hispanic team members who make a difference in our members’ lives every day!

Latino Treatment Program (LTP) hosted over 100 children at the 2023 Backpack Party!  The festivities began outside with face painting, games, giveaways, and a surprise visit from the Philadelphia Fire Department. Even in the rain, the children enjoyed touring the fire truck and playing games.

We are reaching out to you because of our grave concern about mental health funding in Pennsylvania.  With the decrease in funding and the increase in the number of people living with mental health issues, it is time for all of us to join Together 4 Mental Health! Working together we can raise awareness, remind our members that they are not alone, and reduce stigma.  To that end, COMHAR and NAMI Philadelphia are collaborating through a walk on September 27^th. 

At COMHAR, serving over 5,000 people each month, inspiring hope, building self-confidence, encouraging independence, and becoming integrated as part of a community are pillars of our service delivery model. No matter the person or level of need, COMHAR helps people THRIVE! COMHAR’s Mission is “to provide health and human services that empower individuals, families and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives.” 

 

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Philadelphia’s mission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.  Their goals are to advocate at the county, state, and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing, education, and employment for people with mental illness; educate the public about mental illness; work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness; and advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness. 

 

COMHAR and NAMI Philadelphia will be working Together 4 Mental Health.  Can we count on your support by being a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser, an exhibitor, providing our members with information about your services; sponsor; or by sponsoring a walker on our September 27th walk?