Just as the patient load at the Waikiki Health Center is peaking because of the faltering economy, the facility has received a boost from the McInerny Foundation.

Health center officials received a $75,000 grant last month from the foundation after receiving the same amount in 2008.

The grant comes as the center had 1,548 visits by patients in April. That's a 20 percent increase over April 2008 and is higher than any other month in the clinic's 42-year history, said executive director Sheila Beckham.

Beckham attributed the increase in patients to the poor economy.

"I think we've just found people who are losing jobs, and they're needing to come somewhere affordable," she said.

Beckham said they've had to hire a full-time psychologist because of an increase of stress-related cases, and also pointed out that she's seen more situations in which both husband and wife have lost their jobs.

"That's why we're working aggressively to find people without medical services," she said, referring to the center's awareness campaign. A $10,000 portion of the grant will go toward the campaign.

Thirty percent of the center's patients are homeless, and 90 percent are uninsured, Beckham said.

The Waikiki Health Center has received McInerny grants since 1982, but only the last two have been this substantial, said director of development public relations Adrianna O'Donnell.

"McInerny Foundation's generous support is definitely welcome, as we are looking at increased costs this year due to a growing demand for our services," she said.

The center has been one physician short, but will be filling the position in two months, Beckham said.

It is also switching to electronic medical records next week, and workers are being trained for the system.

"We're stretched, but I feel confident that we will be able to ride out the storm," Beckham said.

O'Donnell said the grant always helps operations. "We are able to see more patients and offer a higher level of care to the community," she said.