Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus Co-Host Fibroids Awareness Month Event “Vitamin D: The Fibroids Game Changer” with Angela Yee And Coach Gessie Thompson

BROOKLYN, NY - To close out Fibroid Awareness Month, the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, led by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), partnered with media personality Angela Yee, women’s health advocate Coach Gessie Thompson, and The White Dress Project, to host the inaugural Fill Your CUP Session, “Vitamin D: The Fibroids Game Changer” on Thursday, July 30. This community conversation explored the latest science on vitamin D and fibroids, shared practical ways women can advocate for their reproductive health, and highlighted why greater education is critical to addressing a major health disparity affecting Black women. The event also marked the official launch of the Vitamin D Women’s Health Education Initiative.

"Fibroid Awareness Month is an important reminder to women across New York state that they deserve access to information, research, and quality care when making informed decisions about their health,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. “We know that fibroids disproportionately impact Black women two to three times more than their White counterparts, which is why this issue is so significant to this legislative body. By raising awareness, improving access to treatment, and advancing evidence-based research between vitamin D and Fibroids, New York will be one step closer to closing the gap in the persistent health disparities endured by our marginalized communities. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we can empower women to take control of their reproductive health and ensure equitable care for all. I would like to thank both Angela Yee and Coach Gessie Thompson for bringing attention to this important issue."

“I’m happy to be a part of this conversation during Fibroid Awareness Month. A05830 and A05831 are common-sense steps to ensure more awareness: one ensures New Yorkers aren’t priced out of diagnosis and treatment, and the other builds a sustainable fund for education so people know their options before a health crisis forces the conversation. Health equity means making sure the care exists and that people can actually afford and access it.” said Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest. 

“Coffee Uplifts People was created to bring people together over conversations that inspire, educate, and build community, so it was the perfect place to launch the Fill Your CUP series and the Vitamin D Women’s Health Education Initiative,” said Angela Yee, media personality, entrepreneur, and partner in DETOX NOW. “When women have access to trusted information and real conversations with experts, they’re empowered to make more informed decisions about their health. That’s exactly the kind of impact we hope this series will create.” 

“For far too long, uterine fibroids have disproportionately affected Black women while remaining under-researched and too often misunderstood. As we recognize Fibroids Awareness Month, I am proud to build upon the momentum of A5412-A/S3576-A, establishing New York’s first Statewide Fibroid Study Program. By advancing research, education, and prevention, we are empowering women to advocate for their health. We look forward to reintroducing our legislation in January 2027 and working to secure passage of both bills so New York’s first woman Governor can sign them into law.” said Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman.

“For years, Fibroids Awareness Month has helped shine a light on a condition that affects millions of women. Now, it’s time to turn awareness into action,” said Coach Gessie Thompson, Founder of DETOX NOW and health activist. “Through our new Vitamin D Women’s Health Education Initiative, we’re empowering women with the knowledge to proactively advance their health by achieving and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most overlooked, impactful, and correctable challenges in women’s health today. Healthy vitamin D levels play a vital role in hormone balance, reducing chronic inflammation, supporting immune function, brain health, cardiovascular health, and bone health throughout every stage of a woman’s life—from adolescence through menopause. By helping women understand the importance of optimizing their vitamin D levels, we’re empowering them to have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers, advocate for themselves, and take a proactive role in their health. For women battling fibroids, achieving healthy vitamin D levels can also be an important part of an evidence-based, personalized approach to supporting their journey toward fibroids freedom.”

“Awareness is only the beginning. Real change happens when women are equipped with knowledge, supported by science, and empowered to advocate for themselves. Every woman deserves to know what is normal, what is not, and that she has options. That is why partnerships like this matter, and why The White Dress Project will continue working until no woman suffers in silence from fibroids.” said Tanika Gray Valbrun, Founder and CEO, The White Dress Project.