Celebrating over 36 years of service, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. builds and strengthens the capacity of faith communities in the United States and in the United Republic of Tanzania (East Africa) to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities among people of the Black Diaspora. 

The organization develops educational and training programs specifically designed to establish sustainable, integrated systems of public health and faith principles, which helps to improve health outcomes of individuals living in urban, rural, and remote communities.

Founded by Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. was created to uplift and enlighten people of color, surrounded by honorary board members to execute her dreams of empowering the African American and African communities.

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization that is leading the future generations into healthier life choices and aiding them with the tools for a bountiful life. As a not-for-profit, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. has developed an international reputation for providing an insightful understanding of religious cultures, values, and extraordinary abilities to build strong, trusted partnerships with faith communities worldwide.

Offering the African American community three extremely unique programs to encourage the advancement of the health, these programs are The Healthy Churches 2030 National Campaign, The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative and The Brain Health Center for African Americans.

• The Healthy Churches 2030 National Campaign is keenly focused on faith-based approaches to public health issues that support integrating cultural and science-based strategies within congregations throughout urban and rural communities. The campaign includes the Healthy Churches 2030 Conference and the Healthy Churches 2030 Initiative: Roadmap 2030.
• The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative brings together community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, employers, insurers, health care professionals, and other stakeholders, delivering the CDC’s Prevent T2 curriculum to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, specifically among communities of color.
• The Brain Health Center for African Americans implements Public Health Actions related to Cognitive Health, Cognitive Impairment and Caregiving at State and Local levels.

Our Vision

To equip faith institutions serving people of African Descent with the tools and resources to be fully engaged in preventing diseases and improving the health outcomes of those they serve through education and advocacy.

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent diseases and improve the health status of African Americans by providing support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation, and evaluation, strengthening their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities.

Our Values

We believe the most effective response to the alarming rates of health disparities among Black people is an intentional action by both public health and faith communities, characterized by equity, excellence and rooted in a context of competence, compassion, respect and love.