The Binational Alliance for Transborder Community Health (BATCH) group
BATCH was created in 2020 with the collaboration of three researchers from San Diego State University (SDSU), the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC- Mexicali), the Food and Development Research Center (CIAD, Hermosillo) with the objective of conducting cross-border research to implement and evaluate community-based obesity prevention programs in underserved communities. BATCH is composed of principal investigators, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Currently, three projects are underway:
1) systematic review of the literature on obesity prevention interventions in the U.S.-Mexico border states,
2) the Athletes for Life (AFL) project, and
3) an NIH-funded R01 project.
BATCH team members have presented at national and international conferences, and developed three AFL pilot studies, with integration and training of more than 15 students. BATCH has hosted international fellows through two research internships. In addition, professors have participated in teaching collaborations, conducted elective courses, and co-participate in mentoring student theses and dissertation projects.
Objetive
Conduct cross-border research to implement and evaluate community-based obesity prevention programs in underserved communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Vision
That families (parents and children) living in the U.S.-Mexico border region enjoy a healthy life, including healthy eating and access to safe spaces for physical activity in their homes and community, through the sustainability of binational collaborations. In addition, to be a platform for training of new researchers, developing new projects and research groups.