The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 29 recognized the contributions of the County’s Latino and Hispanic populations by proclaiming it Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month.
The board’s proclamation at its meeting commemorating Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month notes that Latinos represent the fastest growing population in Multnomah County, Oregon and the United States.
The Latino community in Multnomah County has grown by 38 percent in the last 10 years. Today, more than 80,000 Latinos live in Multnomah County, making up nearly 11 percent of the county’s population.
Multnomah County values this growing community and has extended its outreach and culturally relevant services to help meet their needs. The county’s Bienestar de la Familia (well-being of the family) program unites mental health, social services and drug and alcohol services and more for the Latino community.
The Health Department has made hiring bilingual and bicultural staff a priority and has been able to serve many Latino families as a result. Latinos account for more than 40 percent of the families that receive Early Childhood Services and more than 80 percent of the children at the Baby Days dental clinics. The Health Department also offers classes in Spanish on nutrition, breastfeeding and sexual health.
Although the county has achieved success in reaching Latinos in some areas, inequality persists in other areas. Oregon’s Latino community is under-represented in the political sphere and experiences a higher unemployment rate.
“It heartens me and also depresses me to hear that Multnomah County is a leader in reaching Latinos,” said Commissioner Deborah Kafoury. “Because the health disparities report card reveals that we still have a lot of work to do to address inequality in access to health care, education and jobs.”
For more information and a list of Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit the Multnomah County Library's events page.