October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. At Cherokee Health Systems, supporting our Hispanic communities is an ongoing daily effort.
EAST TENNESSEE (October 2021) – National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept.15 to Oct.15 to recognize the many contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans.
Research shows how much the Hispanic community has contributed to America’s economic growth in recent decades and will continue to do so. According to the 2019 Census Bureau, the Hispanic population reached about 60 million people, which was up about 930,000 from the previous year.
Diversity brings greater diversification of skills and creativity. As Hispanic communities grow, so does their influence on the communities around us. Hispanic Americans bring a diverse perspective to our society and contribute to the success of our country. Many of them are business leaders, educators, medical professionals and more.
In the East Tennessee area, Cherokee Health Systems employs over 600 people from different races, ethnicities and backgrounds. It serves and employs qualified applicants of all backgrounds. A diverse staff is an institutional priority as it helps to better support the needs of our diverse communities.
The Hispanic population, in the Cherokee service area, relies on Cherokee clinics in their area to provide medical services. The clinic in Talbott is honored to serve the neighboring Hispanic population and strives to help patients live happier, healthier lives every day.
Dr. Katie Silva is a pediatrician at the Cherokee clinic in Talbott Tenn. where she treats many Hispanic families. Dr. Silva works with patients of various cultures and beliefs. She understands the importance of accepting and embracing the unique differences of a diverse community.
“My main focus in life is to meet people where they are, accepted them for who they are, and love them despite problems they may have. When you do that to vulnerable populations, you are making your community a better place for everyone,” said Dr. Silva.
Building a stronger community starts every day by choosing to show support for one another. There are many ways you can show support to the Hispanic community. A few ways include taking interest in Hispanic culture, supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, and educating neighbors about the health services offered at Cherokee.
“Supporting everyone in the community is very important. It will not only help produce a better economy but create a stronger generation of children. When we support children, we are helping the next generation of leaders. We are all a community, so we should all help each other,” said Dr. Silva.
To learn more about Cherokee Health Systems, locations in East Tennessee and the services offered, visit Cherokeehealth.com.