Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

- https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about.html

CAPC needs your help. If you would like to take part in the efforts to prevent child abuse in Contra Costa County and support families, we need volunteers to help with CAPC’s Bay Bag Project. The Baby Bag Project provides vital child safety, positive parenting, child development information, and child abuse prevention resources in Spanish and English to families in hospitals and clinics after the birth of a child. CAPC distributes over 8000 Baby Bags a year and we need help each month preparing the Bags for distribution. For more information on how you can help, please contact Project Coordinator Ana Dempsey at 925-798-0546.