History of the Event
In 2021, the Texas governor passed House Bill 1966, which designated July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month, and House Bill 1967, which provided improved Uterine Fibroid Education and Research. Dr. Suzanne Slonim of Fibroid Institute Texas championed the declaration of July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month to both City of Dallas and Texas state legislators.
In 2022, the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute (BJLI) and Fibroid Institute Texas, along other community sponsors, launched Fibroid Awareness Month self-care fairs statewide during the month of July.
After the facilitation of the 2023 self-care fairs, BJLI and Fibroid Institute Texas made a pivot to focus on providing as much health education as possible about fibroids. The self-care forum was born.
The first self-care forums were hosted in July 2024 and attendees gave amazing reviews and feedback about their experience. They were excited to chat with physicians in a community setting WHILE purchasing health-related products to support their fibroids journeys. In 2024, we hosted over 200 women in 5 different cities to get connected to the information they needed about their healthcare.
What is a self-care forum?
The Texas Fibroid Awareness Month (TXFAM) self-care forum is an opportunity for women to learn more about caring for themselves through health education about the physical, mental, and financial impact of fibroids.
Self-care is a term that has increased in use over the past 4 years, and we are taking it upon ourselves to ensure the maintenance of women’s health is included in these conversations. Our free community forum design grants more accessibility to women in Texas to give them access to the lifesaving information necessary for their well-being.
Our community forums feature women’s health experts, physicians, social workers, therapists, financial planners, holistic health practitioners, and most importantly, those impacted by fibroids to share their story of conquering fibroids and the resources needed to do so.
Forum attendees have left our events with:
- Access to physicians that understand their condition
- Tips to financially prepare for healthcare crises
- Conversation starters to understand the history of fibroids in their family
- Ways to anticipate and navigate the emotional burden of fibroids
- And more!
Who comes to the forum?
Our forum is an excellent resource for many ages, starting from high school age all the way to women who are 50+ with uteruses. Organizations and special groups can register to attend our forums for meet ups, outings, and for women’s educational purposes.
If you are looking for local physicians who specialize in fibroids, this event is for you! This event is an excellent opportunity to meet your future physician and ask them key questions in a safe space.
This event is also great for health justice advocates looking to connect with individuals and organizations with a health education focus.
Lastly, even if you do not personally experience fibroids, we encourage all community members of all ages and genders to participate and learn about the experience of fibroids to support BJLI and our community partners in advocating for justice for women experiencing fibroids and many other healthcare issues.
What is discussed at the self-care forum?
Our self-care forums center conversations with physicians, financial experts, therapists, and those most impacted by fibroids to:
- To discuss the financial burden of the condition
- To discuss the mental & emotional burden of this condition
- Hear storytelling by individuals affected by fibroids
We Need Your Help!
This July, join us across the state as we raise awareness about uterine fibroids and protect women’s health in our communities.