For the second year in a row, HITN partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing together residents, community leaders, and local organizations for a day of cultural pride and public service.

Helen Arteaga & Naomi Rivera

The event took place curbside at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens on Thursday, October 15, 2025, drawing strong participation from the public.

Helen Arteaga Landaverde, MPH, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, attended on behalf of the hospital, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and outreach as the core purpose of the celebration. HITN’s continued sponsorship underscored its commitment to supporting Latino families and strengthening community connections through education and media.

Members of the Paraguayan and Ecuadorian Consulates, as well as representatives from immigration advocacy groups such as Make the Road NY, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), and Queens Community House, joined the event to provide direct support to attendees. Local elected officials, including Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, were also present, showing their support for immigrant and Latino communities in Queens.

Beyond the cultural celebration, the event offered practical resources. Attendees had access to legal orientation, health information, and educational materials—services that many families said were much needed and appreciated.

The celebration highlighted not only Hispanic heritage but also the power of community participation, bringing together healthcare providers, local leaders, and residents to promote inclusion, support, and shared identity.