CLARKSTON, Ga. — It’s considered the most diverse 1.5 square miles in DeKalb County. Dr. Esther Kim calls Clarkston the “Ellis Island of the South.” She and her family moved to the area from Malaysia when she was 12.
“Starting middle school, learning a new language, navigating a really complex healthcare system – it was a very challenging time,” Kim said. “People are fleeing their countries over civil war and persecution. They were seeking a safer place, and this was supposed to be their safer place. Instead, there are a lot more challenges they’re facing here coming.”
So, Kim and a group formed Ethnē Health in 2018, looking at health statistics, insurance rates, and other barriers to healthcare access to make the most impact in the community. CEO Dr. Robert Contino said transportation, cost, language barriers and hours of operation can all deter patients from receiving adequate healthcare…