As Odessa Brown Children's Clinic Returns to the Central District, What's New for South End Families?

Seattle Children's Odessa Brown Children's Clinic (OBCC) has opened a new space in the Central District, returning to the neighborhood after temporarily closing its original site for repairs in 2022.

The clinic, now located on Jackson Street, is just five blocks away from its former Yesler Way location. Inside, the colorful walls are adorned with artwork from local artists, and the clinic will offer expanded mental and behavioral health services in addition to primary care and other medical services.

In 2022, OBCC moved from the Central District to a new location in South Seattle's Othello neighborhood. According to Seattle Children's, 75% of patients and families served by OBCC now live in South Seattle and South King County.

For South Seattle families who now rely on the Othello location, there will be little to no impact with this new expansion, said Dr. Shaquita Bell, senior medical director of OBCC and long-standing resident of Rainier Beach. Patients will still be able to access the same services and can see the same medical staff at either of the OBCC locations, as staff will travel to both sites.

Some South End families may benefit from some of the centralized services that will be available at the Central District's clinic in early 2026.

The Central District clinic will open in two phases. The first phase, which began when the clinic opened in mid-July, offers patients mental, behavioral, nutritional, and reproductive health services as well as other services. This location does not offer rehab services and full-spectrum dental care services that OBCC Othello provides.

The second phase will open in February 2026 and includes the Community Advocacy Restorative Education (CARE) Clinic, a first-of-a-kind service that combines various medical fields to support children who have faced trauma from abuse, substance use, domestic and firearm violence, and human trafficking.

The clinic was originally named after Odessa Brown, an activist during the Civil Rights era who was passionate about expanding health care access to children in the Central District, Seattle's historically Black neighborhood.

The clinic's doors opened in 1970 in the basement of a church on East Spruce Street, a year after Brown died. In 1980, the clinic moved to Yesler Way, where it remained for over 40 years.

"We never forget where we come from," Bell said, adding that providing quality care to the community is how the clinic carries Brown's legacy forward.

Historically, Seattle Children's is not without its challenges. Lawsuits and criticism from community members arguing racism and lack of care are also a part of the clinic's history. Dr. Ben Danielson, who was medical director of OBCC for decades, cited racism as the reason for his departure in 2020. He won $21 million in a lawsuit against Seattle Children's Hospital in late 2024.

"Trust takes time and repair takes time," Bell said, who took over Danielson's position after his departure. "What has been really important for me is to continue to have conversations, be present, and to deliver on things that have been promised."

Descendants of Odessa Brown continue to be a part of the workings of the clinic. Sophia Richardson is one of Brown's grandchildren, and her son currently works in the OBCC Othello location. Richardson's grandchild is also a patient at the clinic.

Richardson said she's happy to see the clinic returning "back home." She looks forward to the clinic expanding its mental and behavioral health services, as she recognizes the need for more of it among children post-COVID. 

She encourages people to ask for help when they need it and not to let a lack of insurance or money prevent them from seeking help.

"That's what the community clinic is for, it's for the community," Richardson said. "If you can't pay, you know, we're gonna make a way."