Hispanic culture is American culture. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month while recognizing cultural mental health challenges Voices For Suicide Prevention

Have you ever worn a cowboy hat or boots?   Ever ordered barbeque at a restaurant or hickory smoked some ribs 'low and slow' on your own?  Cowboy hats didn't originate in Texas and barbeque didn't come from the South.   All of these things and so many more originated from Latin, Spanish and Hispanic cultures in other countries.   We celebrate that in today's episode with a powerful and poignant leader who's a proud Columbian American.  Michelle Vargas is Director of the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition at Mental Health America of Ohio.  We lift up this month for other vital reasons as too many Hispanic Ohioans and Americans don't have access to mental health services and there's a disproportionate number of young Hispanics, especially, reporting suicidal ideation and attempts.   Michelle also discusses different stigmas and stereotypical challenges these cultures face plus how to address these challenges through empathy, awareness and kindness.