Our Foundational Journey

At BaCHRI, our journey began with a deep commitment to addressing the hidden yet critical factor influencing health disparities: stress. Our founder, inspired by personal experiences as a caregiver and her work with renowned medical professionals like Dr. Andrew Weil, has dedicated years to uncovering the profound connection between stress and health outcomes.

  • Data Driven –We focus on identifying and analyzing stressors specific to Black communities, combining cutting-edge methodologies with lived experiences
  • Results Orientated – Our research directly translates into actionable solutions, empowering individuals and communities to mitigate the impacts of chronic stress
  • Research Led – By collaborating with faith organizations, healthcare professionals, and local leaders, we ensure our findings resonate and drive meaningful change

Stress is more than a personal burden; it’s a systemic issue tied to inequities at every level—personal, institutional, and societal. At BaCHRI, we aim to address these stressors with precision, empathy, and evidence-based interventions to improve lives and outcomes.

Vision for the Future

Building a Transformative Path Through the Social Ecological Model

At BaCHRI, our vision for the future is rooted in creating systemic change by addressing health inequalities at every level of society. Guided by the Social Ecological Model, our approach ensures that no factor—be it individual or systemic—is overlooked as we strive to build healthier, more equitable communities.

  • Individual Level: Through innovative programs like our telemedicine initiatives, we aim to empower individuals with tools for better health management, addressing stress and other critical factors directly impacting their well-being
  • Relationship Level: We cultivate connections that matter, focusing on mentorship and community leadership development. By guiding youth in research methodologies and fostering strong support networks, we’re planting the seeds for the next generation of changemakers
  • Institutional Level: By partnering with universities, faith-based organizations, and healthcare institutions, we develop models that can be replicated in underserved communities, prisons, and refugee camps, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities
  • Community Level: Our groundbreaking “God’s Little World” simulation empowers communities to identify collective issues and create sustainable solutions. This immersive experience fosters collaboration, accountability, and real-world problem-solving
  • Policy Level: We leverage our research to create impactful white papers, propose actionable legislation, and produce data-driven insights to guide policymakers in making systemic changes.

BaCHRI envisions a future where research isn’t just about identifying problems but solving them—where data fuels action, and equity becomes the standard, not the exception.

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Marcia Uddoh: Visionary Leader in Health Equity and AI Innovation

Dr. Marcia Uddoh is the founder of the Black Catholic Health Research Institute (BaCHRI), a groundbreaking organization dedicated to addressing health disparities in Black communities through cutting-edge research and community engagement. Her work integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies with experiential learning to empower individuals and communities to drive systemic change.

Dr. Uddoh’s expertise spans public health, cognitive research, and AI applications. She is the creator of God’s Little World, an award-winning simulation program that teaches participants to recognize and address systemic inequities. The program, featured in the Houston Chronicle and recognized by the North American Simulation and Gaming Association, has engaged over 500 participants and continues to serve as a model for community-driven solutions.

Dr. Uddoh’s leadership is informed by a wealth of international and domestic experience, including working with underserved communities in Jamaica’s Riverton City and developing education programs for Black women at risk for preterm births. Her vision is to build scalable solutions that address systemic inequities while mentoring the next generation of Black researchers.

Through BaCHRI, Dr. Uddoh is transforming health equity research and creating sustainable, impactful change for Black communities.

 

Marcia E. I. Uddoh, MD (candidate), PhD, MPH, MS, MSW
Marcia E. I. Uddoh, MD (candidate), PhD, MPH, MS, MSW Founder | Missionary
Dr. Uddoh is a trailblazer in advancing health equity for Black communities. With expertise spanning public health, neuroscience, and social work, she integrates cutting-edge research and community-driven solutions to confront systemic inequalities and inspire lasting change

“Health equity is not just a goal—it is our mission. Through data-driven research, community engagement, and faith-based initiatives, we empower Black communities to thrive and dismantle systemic barriers. Our work is a testament to the power of science, collaboration, and faith in transforming lives.”

MARCIA E. I. UDDOH, FOUNDER, BaCHRI
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Research

We conduct cutting-edge research to uncover systemic barriers to health equity, focusing on the Black community and Black Catholics.

READ LATEST RESEARCH

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Community

Our work begins with listening. Through direct engagement, we identify the needs and challenges faced by Black communities to guide impactful solutions.

ABOUT OUR APPROACH

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Analysis

We analyze complex data using advanced methodologies to reveal disparities and create actionable insights for systemic change.

DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

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Impact

From education to policy, we turn research into action by partnering with communities, faith organizations, and institutions to promote change.

LEARN ABOUT OUR MPACT

Transform the Future

We are committed to advancing health equity for Black communities through groundbreaking research, actionable solutions, and unwavering advocacy.