Our Story

The History of
Ebenezer Healthcare Access

Discover the journey that began with research and evolved into a mission to eliminate healthcare disparities for immigrants and underserved communities.

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Our Journey

2011

Research Foundation

Wright State University and Montgomery County Public Health conducted groundbreaking research on refugees' health needs.

2012-2018

Stakeholder Collaboration

Strategic meetings with healthcare partners, universities, and community leaders to assess gaps in immigrant healthcare access.

2019

Official Incorporation

Eight founding members filed Articles of Incorporation, receiving approval from the State of Ohio.

The inception of Ebenezer Healthcare Access dates back to 2011 when Wright State University and the Montgomery County Department of Public Health jointly conducted research to assess refugees' health needs in Montgomery County. Wright State University was represented by Dr. Kristina Redko, the then program Research Director, and Jean de Dieu Mukunzi, Principal Investigator. On the other side, Montgomery County Public Health was represented by Cheryl Scroggins.

Research Impact

This research on immigrants was the first of its nature to provide workable recommendations to uplift the immigrants' ability to navigate The United States health care system. Other similar recommendations were formulated by Welcome Dayton, and the University of Dayton's department of sociology.

Building Partnerships

Inspired by research-based recommendations, the Ebenezer Healthcare Access foundation committee held meetings with Wright State University's department of public health, the department of sociology at University of Dayton, Montgomery County public health, Premier Health Partners, Kettering Health Network, Welcome Dayton, and immigrant community leaders.

The meetings were designed to analyze the gaps in immigrants' access to health care in the Greater Dayton area, and to assess the necessity of launching this organization.

Official Formation

From the meetings held at different times with different stakeholders, most of the public health partners concluded that the gaps in delivering healthcare services to immigrants are remarkable. Following this unanimous view, a team of eight people filed Articles of Incorporation to the Secretary of the State Ohio for approval.

The competent State authority has approved Ebenezer Healthcare Access with the issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation.

Key Contributors to Our Success


We attribute the progress of Ebenezer Healthcare Access to the following visionary leaders and organizations:

  • Dr. Anthony Romano who shared the vision with the founder

  • Dr. Sara Paton, Director of Wright State University's Master's Program in Public Health

  • Dr. Peter Bath, Vice President of Mission at Kettering Health Network

  • J. Thomas Maultsby, President and CEO of United Way

  • Governor Robert Taft

  • Dr Theo Majka of the Sociology Department at UD

  • Shaun Hamilton, community benefits Director at Premier Health

  • Melissa Bertolo Welcoming Manager at Welcome America

  • Dr. Rick Saxen of Kettering Health Network

  • Dr Kristina Redko of the department of wright State Master's Program

  • Welcome Dayton Team and Immigrants community leaders

Support Our Mission

Help us continue providing essential healthcare access to communities in need

Dayton Office

196 Hawthorn St

Dayton, Ohio 45402

+1 (937) 567-0139

Columbus Office

4889 Sinclair Rd, Suite 204

Columbus, Ohio 43229

+1 (614) 396-8578

Cincinnati Office

4400 Reading Ln, Cincinnati Ohio 45229

Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

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