Southern Nevada Health District celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Observance includes focus on health improvement opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 8, 2025

LAS VEGAS – Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The Southern Nevada Health District joins the community in honoring the traditions and achievements that have shaped the nation and continue to enrich the region.

“Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us of the invaluable contributions Hispanic and Latino communities make every day to the health, vitality and progress of Southern Nevada,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “These communities enrich Southern Nevada through their traditions, achievements and cultural heritage, and we are proud to celebrate this important month with them.”

Through active participation in Health District programs, Hispanic and Latino communities continue to take steps toward reducing chronic disease and improving health outcomes. However, data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show there is still work to be done:

In Clark County, 18.1% of Hispanic or Latino adults were in fair or poor health in 2023.
Among Hispanic adults ages 18 and over in Clark County, approximately 33.4% had obesity and 37.3% were overweight.
Among all racial and ethnic groups, the prevalence of prediabetes was highest among Hispanics at 17.1%.
Diabetes prevalence in Hispanic adults was higher than non-Hispanic white adults ages 18 and over (14.1% and 9.8%, respectively).
Nearly 12.2% of Hispanic adults in Clark County smoked cigarettes in 2023.

The Health District is highlighting programs that improve the health and well-being of Hispanic and Latino populations in Southern Nevada. In collaboration with community partners, these programs expand access to resources and support through ongoing services and special activities.

Educational opportunities and resources

In September, the Health District is hosting Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support classes in Spanish. The free classes provide education and resources to help participants self-manage type 2 diabetes. The classes are open to anyone with type 2 diabetes as well as people with prediabetes or who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Registration is required.

Classes in Spanish will be held at the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107:

Monday, September 15 and Monday, September 22: 10 a.m.–noon
Thursday, September 25 and Thursday, October 2: 2–4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 21: 2–4 p.m.

Classes also will be offered in English at the Main Public Health Center:

Wednesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 24: 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 22: 10:30–12:30 p.m.

Classes are free and registration is required. To register for the classes in Spanish, visit Formulario de interés de la clase de automanejo de la diabetes or call (702) 759-1270. To sign up for classes in English, visit Diabetes Self-Management Class Interest Form or call (702) 759-1270.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 7, 8:30–9:30 a.m.: Mater Academy East Las Vegas Parent Meeting

3445 S. Mountain Vista St., Las Vegas, NV 89121

The Health District and Mater Academy East Las Vegas are holding a parent meeting to discuss an upcoming series of parent workshops focused on vape prevention and youth health education through the Por Mi Por Ti Por Nosotros initiative. These interactive sessions are designed to equip parents and guardians with up-to-date information on the dangers of vaping and effective strategies to support their children in making healthy choices. The sessions will provide culturally relevant resources and strategies to help families protect youth and celebrate healthier, stronger communities.

Thursday, October 9, 4 p.m.: Marketon Grocery Store Tour

840 N. Decatur, Las Vegas, NV 89107

A registered dietitian will lead a guided tour of the Marketon Grocery Store, helping participants understand food labels, healthy dietary choices and meal planning. The tour, available only in Spanish, is designed around key departments where shoppers can boost their intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and more. Space is limited and registration is required. Call (702) 759-1270 or email vivasaludable@snhd.org.

Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.–noon: Mr. G’s Classic Barbershop Blood Pressure Screenings

929 N. Pecos, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Mr. G’s Classic Barbershop will offer free blood pressure screenings, heart health education, and health care referrals to low-cost clinics. Participants can also complete a questionnaire to assess their risk for prediabetes.

Saturday, October 18, 4-9 p.m.: ¡Celebrando Nuestra Cultura!

Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89155

The Health District is collaborating with Fiesta Radio 98.1 to support the ¡Celebrando Nuestra Cultura! event at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater. This vibrant celebration of Latino heritage will showcase dynamic performances, enriching cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Health District staff will promote the tobacco and vape-free resources that support healthier lifestyles.

The Health District’s Viva Saludable website has information on a variety of chronic disease prevention and self-management health topics, provided in Spanish. To catch up on the latest health news, tips and recommendations, visit the Viva Saludable blog at Blog – Viva Saludable. Additionally, the Spanish language Quitline (1-855-DEJELO-YA) offers culturally relevant resources, tools and strategies to support tobacco cessation.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.