By Dr. Shaquita Bell, M.D., , Senior Medical Director, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
As the Senior Medical Director of Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, I’m honored to be part of a team carrying forward our founder’s vision: to provide quality care with dignity to the communities we serve. This month, we’re celebrating OBCC’s return to the Central District, where the clinic first opened its doors 55 years ago. It’s been a meaningful journey, and I’m proud to share that the commitments I outlined in a op-ed about OBCC’s future in the Central District are now becoming a reality. As a cornerstone of our community-based work, we asked the community to hold us accountable, and promised to return with services that reflect our deep and enduring commitment.
Throughout OBCC’s 55-year history, one truth has remained constant: healthcare must be shaped by the people it serves. From clinical offerings to exam room design and even local artwork, the Central District clinic reflects what our patients, families, and staff told us matters most.
This includes expanded mental and behavioral health services, primary care, speech therapy, nutrition support, and so much more. As we prioritized services, community voices made it clear: the youth behavioral health crisis demands urgent action. While many clinics are faced with tough decisions to scale back and lay off employees, both Seattle Children’s and OBCC are increasing access and capacity because our kids need it now more than ever. We’re also extending behavioral health services to Seattle Public Schools students ages 10 and up through telehealth, making it easier for youth to get care when and where they need it.
Looking ahead to early 2026, we will open the CARE Clinic, Community Assistance Restorative Education, a trauma-informed center for youth affected by severe trauma, including abuse, domestic violence, firearm injury, and trafficking. This innovative model was shaped in partnership with local leaders and survivors who have helped guide its development over the past year.
OBCC’s return to the Central District is more than a move. It’s a recommitment to the families and neighborhood who’ve relied on us for generations. We serve Black and Brown children, immigrant and refugee families, and others facing structural barriers. Every child who walks through our doors will be seen, heard, and cared for with dignity, no matter their family’s ability to pay.
Last year alone, OBCC provided more than 44,000 clinical visits, including over 18,000 medical appointments to 7,000 patients at our Othello location where we offer primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care for children, teens, and young adults. Services range from preventive visits and newborn care to reproductive health, sickle cell treatment, behavioral health evaluations, and substance use support.
OBCC also supports families beyond the clinic walls. In 2024, more than 4,200 children and teen wellness visits were conducted in Seattle public schools. Our sickle cell care model, developed with community feedback, has improved emergency department experiences and follow-up outcomes.
These numbers represent more than just visits and programs. They reflect the trust families place in us every day and the depth of care we’ve committed to providing for over 55 years, and will be at the heart of our new clinic in the Central District as well.
To our patients, families, community members and partners: thank you for your trust and guidance. Your voices and support have always been part of making OBCC what it is today and we are honored to welcome our community back within the walls of our new OBCC Central clinic.
To the OBCC team: thank you for showing up with compassion and excellence, even during uncertain times. This new space is a reflection of your unwavering commitment.
We’re proud to be back in the Central District and can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.
