SEATTLE — The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic has served the community in Central District for over 50 years. They provide medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition services for the community, regardless of their ability to pay.
"It really is a family, and everyone really seems to have the same mission that's really focused on the patients and the families we serve," said Pediatrician Dr. Tumaini Coker about working in the clinic.
OBCC is dedicated to increasing equity in healthcare and Dr. Coker has a background in equity and diversity as it relates to medicine. She says equity is about, "Giving individuals and families what they need to meet their full potential."
Soon, the clinic is going to be able to help more kids than ever before. Construction is now underway on a second clinic in Seattle's Othello neighborhood. The new location is larger than the existing clinic and will be equipped with state of the art technology. This will help OBCC care for the growing population in South Seattle and South King County and provide easy access to the clinic, "We have seen gentrification and rising prices to live -- and families being pushed out further and further from the city center as prices go up."
Dr. Coker says health is larger than just medical needs, "It's health and well being and I think we see it as a holistic way. That includes mental health and behavioral health, and not just when there's a disorder or a problem. Prevention is incredibly important."
With a dedicated staff and financial support from the community, they have continued to provide support throughout the pandemic. Dr. Coker advocates for supporting this community clinic so it can maintain the well-being of patients longterm: "As families try and come out of this COVID pandemic on the other end with children who are healthy, who are developing well, and who are going to get right back into a school and reach their full potential -- that's what a contribution does."
You can help support the mission of the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic
Watch Growing Wellness: An Odessa Brown Children's Clinic and Seattle Children's Special, Mon, July 27th from 7:30-8 PM on KING and KONG, or make a donation online today. Sponsored by Seattle Children's.