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.