Odessa Brown Children's Clinic Programs
We wed the best medical technology with tender loving care, continually seek out newer and better ways to provide quality treatment, and help families traverse an often confusing health care system. And, should one of our young patients need hospital care, our relationship with Seattle Children's Hospital means we stand by you every step of the way.
MEDICAL SERVICES
- Well baby and child exams, as well as treatment for routine and serious illnesses
- Chronic disease management, including sickle cell disease, asthma, ADHD and obesity
- WIC nutrition program
- Community outreach and family support, particularly for homeless and kindred care
- School, Head Start, camp and sports physicals
DENTAL SERVICES
We offer gentle care including general check-ups, cleanings and fillings for infants, toddlers, children and youth through age 14. Emergency dental care is available for youths up to age 18.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Our outstanding mental health staff helps families and kids through individual and family counseling, medication management, and coordination with schools and community agencies.
SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES
We provide comprehensive services at our Garfield High School Teen Clinic, and for students/clients of First Place School and Morningsong Family Services.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Marla York and her 10-year-old daughter, Rania, used to grab many of their dinners at fast food restaurants because it was quick and easy and they were tired and hungry. Physical fitness didn’t really figure into their busy lives.
“She used to hate to walk and exercise,” Marla says of her daughter.
Concerned about Rania’s lack of activity and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, Marla signed them up for Strong Kids/Strong Teens, a comprehensive health and wellness program offered through Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic.
The nine-month program, conducted at local YMCAs, exposes children ages 8 to 14 and their parents to a variety of fun physical activities designed to increase self esteem, fitness and health awareness. They also learn from a nutritionist how to shop for, plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks.
“We’re planting the seeds for healthy lifestyle changes,” says Linda Murtfeldt, a certified nutritionist at Odessa Brown.
Rania, who started the program in October, has discovered, among other things, a fondness for soccer, a sport she’d never played, and jicama, a vegetable she’d never tried.
“I feel better,” she says.
ODCC has a continuous need for funding to support community programs that promote life-long healthy lifestyles in children and the people closest to them.