Seven structural barriers
- Housing instability and homelessness can disrupt daily routines and continuity of contact.
- Economic pressure can make appointments compete with work, rent, childcare, and other essential needs.
- Transportation gaps can make reaching care difficult.
- Stigma and fear can make seeking information and support harder.
- Mental health and substance use needs may require connections with qualified services.
- Language and cultural barriers can make information and systems difficult to navigate.
- Fragmented coordination can leave a person unsure of the next step or whether a referral worked.
A public health response alongside treatment
FERI-TB’s approach combines non-clinical navigation, community-developed education, and coordinated referral relationships. It is designed to connect people with practical support while healthcare providers and health departments retain responsibility for medical care.