Free Clinics Struggle as Demand Soars and Donations Fall

With the recession swelling the ranks of the uninsured, community clinics offering free care are facing rising demand just as the downturn is prompting major supporters to reduce their commitments, reports the Associated Press.

Nicole D. Lamoureux, executive director of the National Association of Free Clinics, said the facilities “have seen patient load increase by 40 to 50 percent” in the past year. Some 4 million Americans are expected to use the nation’s 1,200 free clinics this year.

The Cigna Foundation, which supports clinics in Philadelphia and southwestern Connecticut, has seen funding requests jump by 50 percent since last year, but Gloria Verrone, the grant maker’s spokeswoman, said its spending is down 15 to 20 percent. She said Cigna is maintaining existing ties to clinics but reducing individual allocations and not accepting any new grantees.

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