Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month
From the rhythms of salsa to the warmth of shared meals, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, is also a time to discuss challenges some in the Hispanic community face, and how we can work together to support one another. One of these challenges is gambling harm.
The Strength and Beauty of Hispanic Culture
Hispanic culture is full of rich traditions, delicious food, lively music, and strong values. One of the greatest strengths of the Hispanic community is the importance of family and community. Families often stay close, support one another, and gather often to celebrate, eat, and share stories.
Respect for elders, helping each other, and staying connected are common values across many Hispanic cultures. These strong family ties and community bonds make the culture unique and powerful.
Gambling Harm
While many people can gamble for fun, it can become problematic. Gambling becomes a problem when someone continues to gamble despite suffering harms due to gambling. Gambling harms can include stress, money troubles, and hurt relationships with family and friends.
Some people in the Hispanic community may face a higher risk of gambling harms. This could be because of stress from work or immigration, trouble finding support in their language, or not knowing where to go for help. Also, because of stigma, some people may feel ashamed or afraid to talk about it.
It’s important to remember: Gambling harms can affect anyone, and getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Community Strength to Prevent Gambling Harm
The good news is that the same things that make the Hispanic community strong—like family, unity, and culture—can also help prevent and heal gambling harms.
Here are some ideas that can help:
- Talk as a Family: Families can learn together about the risks of gambling and how to spot signs of a problem. Talking openly helps people feel safe and supported.
- Use Trusted Places: Sharing information through churches, schools, and community groups can reach more people in ways that feel familiar and welcoming.
- Offer Help in Spanish: Having counselors and support groups that speak the language and understand the culture makes it easier for people to get help.
- Share Stories: Hearing from others in the community who have faced and overcome gambling problems can help break the silence and offer hope.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s celebrate all the beautiful parts of Hispanic culture and work together to keep our communities healthy and strong. When we support each other, we build a brighter future for everyone.
Connecting to Support
Raise awareness of available information and support services. If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.