A report released today by CHRT outlines the severe impact of Michigan’s recession on the ability of the health care safety net to provide health care to the growing number of Michigan residents who need their services. From 2007 to 2011, uncompensated care provided by Michigan hospitals increased 42 percent, and patient volume at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) increased by 22 percent. The number of uninsured increased by 133,000, yet there was no net increase in the number of free clinics statewide. In fact, five of seven free clinics in the Upper Peninsula closed, leaving just two clinics for the entire population.