Celebrating over 33 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 health, these programs are The Healthy Churches 2030 National Campaign, The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative, and The Brain Health Center for African Americans.

The Balm In Gilead is also a funded partner of the Partnering and Communicating Together (PACT) Program. This program is a collaboration between the Division of HIV Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and some of the best organizations in the country that work with HIV-affected people.

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 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 Values

We believe the most effectiveresponse 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.

Our Timeline