NEW YORK, August 6, 2026— Fibroid Fighters Foundation honored Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson with the 2026 Flora Award during its annual Your Health in Full Bloom event on July 30 in New York City.
Now in its third year, the Flora Award is the Foundation’s highest honor, recognizing visionary leaders whose work advances health equity, expands access to quality healthcare, and strengthens the well-being of underserved communities. Established in 2024 in memory of Dr. Flora Katsnelson, the award celebrates leaders whose commitment to compassionate, equitable care reflects her enduring legacy.
“Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez and Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson embody those values through their extraordinary leadership and dedication to improving the lives of others, said Dr. Yan Katsnelson, who co-founded Fibroid Fighters Foundation with Dr. Flora Katsnelson. “We are proud to recognize them with the 2026 Flora Award.”
Caption: Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez (left), President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, is congratulated by Dr. Yan Katsnelson (left) after receiving the 2026 Flora Award during the annual Your Health in Full Bloom event on July 30 in New York City.
As President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez has transformed one of New York State’s largest federally qualified community health center networks into a nationally recognized model for patient-centered care. Under her leadership, Urban Health Plan has expanded from a single health center in the South Bronx to a network serving more than 89,000 patients annually across the Bronx, Harlem, and Queens. She has championed innovative programs that address both healthcare access and the social drivers of health, including food security, housing, workforce development, education, and community wellness—while advancing equitable, high-quality care for historically underserved populations.
Caption: Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (center) is joined by Cynthia Bailey (left) and Dr. Yan Katsnelson (right) after being honored with the 2026 Flora Award.
As the 14th Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for more than 1.4 million Bronx residents. A trailblazing public servant and the first woman and first African American elected to the office, she has championed initiatives that promote healthier communities through expanded access to nutritious food, affordable housing, workforce development, education, public safety, and economic opportunity. Her collaborative leadership has strengthened partnerships across government, healthcare, and community organizations to improve outcomes for Bronx families.
The Flora Award honors the life and legacy of Dr. Flora Katsnelson, a physician, healthcare executive, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of Fibroid Fighters Foundation. She also co-founded USA Clinics Group, helping build one of the nation’s leading multispecialty outpatient healthcare organizations dedicated to expanding access to specialized care. Throughout her career, Dr. Katsnelson was recognized for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing healthcare, education, and philanthropy. The award recognizes individuals whose work reflects the same values of innovation, service, and health equity.
About Fibroid Fighters Foundation
Fibroid Fighters Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women affected by uterine fibroids through education, advocacy, research, and community engagement. The Foundation empowers women with trusted information about fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options so they can become informed advocates for their own care. It also champions research that advances treatment options and healthcare equity while educating the public about the significant health, social, and economic impact of uterine fibroid disease. Through partnerships, awareness campaigns, educational programming, and patient advocacy, Fibroid Fighters Foundation is working to ensure every woman has access to timely diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and quality healthcare.
