D ata in the State of the Safety Net 2012 comes from the most recent U.S. Health and Human

Services 2010 Uniform Data System results and a Direct Relief original survey. Of the more than 1,000 nonprofit clinics Direct Relief works with, 546 from 49 states and D.C. responded to the Direct Relief survey. Results provide a current snapshot of their clinic environment and what they anticipate for 2012. (Note: there are more than 8,000 nonprofit clinics in all 50 states which serve a patient population estimated at 21 million). Overall, findings indicate that providers face continued pressure and concern with their ability to care for an increasing number of patients. The survey was distributed earlier in the year and the results came in the spring, thus all data is before the Affordable Care Act was deemed constitutional.

> A majority (79%) saw a rise in the number of patients in 2011

> A majority (86%) expect an increase in the number of patients who lack insurance in 2012

> A majority (83%) thought 2012 will be more challenging than 2011

> 41% increased their hours of operation

> Chronic conditions continue to rise among patients visiting Federally Qualified Health Centers with 10% of all visits being for two conditions — diabetes mellitus and hypertension

> 2010 was the first year Medicaid patients exceeded uninsured patients in total numbers and as a percentage of the overall patient population at FQHCs

////STATE OF THE SAFETY NET 2012

KEY FINDINGSTWO CASE STUDIES HIGHLIGHTED:

> Detroit, Michigan — The safety net patient community has been growing in the city while the overall population is dwindling and unemployment is high. The city also closed its Health Department Pharmacy and adult medical services in February 2012, increasing strain on community clinics.

> Joplin, Missouri — Following the deadly EF5 tornado that tore through the city May 2011, community clinics were key providers to whom storm survivors turned for care.

> DIRECTRELIEF.ORG/USA