Our BeneficiariesOdessa Brown ClinicIn Depression-era Chicago, a young Odessa Brown was repeatedly denied necessary basic healthcare. At one hospital Brown reportedly replied, “I am poor and black, but I will leave in peace so that I can keep my dignity.”
While raising four children in Seattle’s Central District she became a community organizer, fighting to bring quality healthcare with dignity to children in her neighborhood. The year before the community clinic for which she fought so hard opened, Ms. Brown died of leukemia. She was 49. Her thankful community named the clinic in her honor and has been offering affordable healthcare to neighborhood families since 1970.
The clinic now serves as a trusted community resource where children have access to expert medical, dental and mental healthcare, given with respect, regardless of their ability to pay. With the vast majority of patients coming from low-income, ethnically diverse families, the clinic works with community partners to reduce health disparities and provide culturally relevant care through a range of programs including Birth-to-Five, Fit 4 You, and the Garfield/NOVA Teen Health Center.
Clinic revenues typically cover less than half the cost of the services provided. Funding from organizations such as the Lenny Wilkens Foundation is a crucial part of keeping this important community resource at work.
Other beneficiariesMake A Wish |
|
Our Beneficiaries
