The Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, which treats children throughout Seattle and King County, was developed cooperatively by the Seattle Model Cities Program, Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center, and concerned citizens of the Central Area. It opened in 1970, at 2017 East Spruce Street and moved into its new building at 2101 East Yesler Way in 1980.
The clinic provides medical, dental and other support services. Dr. Blanche Lavizzo, a black woman pioneer in pediatrics, was its first medical director and the inspiration for its motto: Quality care with dignity.
In 1994, the clinic, a satellite of Children’s Hospital, became a partner in the Central Area Health Care Center with Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center and the Seattle-King County Department of Health. The building was enlarged and remodeled to accommodate the two new health entities. A sculpture entitled “My Testimony in Stone” by the noted black artist, James Washington, is located to the right of the main entrance.
