Seattle Roots Community Health is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center in Seattle that operates the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center and Country Doctor Community Clinic. Founded out of community activist efforts in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the organization provides culturally competent primary care, dental services, behavioral health, and care navigation to low-income, uninsured, immigrant, and other marginalized populations, with a stated mission to advance health equity and social justice.
Typically supports policies that expand access to primary care and Medicaid/Apple Health coverage, secure and increase federal and state funding for FQHCs, integrate behavioral health and substance use treatment into primary care, expand dental access for low-income patients, advance culturally competent and immigrant-inclusive care, invest in the safety-net health workforce, and address social determinants of health such as housing, food security, and transportation.
Primarily funded through federal FQHC grants and Medicaid (Apple Health) reimbursements, supplemented by state and local grants, patient fees on a sliding scale, and private philanthropy and donations.
Operates Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center and Country Doctor Community Clinic; partners with local hospitals such as Swedish Medical Center for specialty and obstetric services; works with federal and state health agencies (e.g., HRSA, Washington State Department of Health) and diverse community-based organizations in Seattle.
Non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (community health center)
