Start with what makes care difficult
A useful support plan starts with specific circumstances. Write down the problem in everyday terms: a bus route does not fit the appointment time, an application requires an unfamiliar document, food is running short, or an instruction is hard to understand. Ask the person which issue matters most now.
Keep practical questions separate from medical questions. A navigator or community organization can help explore resources, while a healthcare provider answers questions about symptoms, medicines, or changes to the treatment plan. Sharing the person’s priorities with the appropriate team helps make a referral more useful.
Questions that make a referral useful
Before a referral, agree on the purpose of the connection and the information the person is comfortable sharing. Confirm which organization is responsible for the next step. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation in the person’s preferred language. A referral is most useful when someone follows up on whether it worked.
- What support is being requested, and does the receiving organization cover the person’s location?
- Who should make the first contact, and what information is actually needed?
- Are there eligibility criteria, documents, costs, or appointment arrangements to clarify?
- Is interpretation or translated information needed?
- How will the person know that the referral was received?
- Who will follow up, and what happens if the first option cannot help?
Virginia: care and community-resource directories
The Virginia Department of Health directory identifies local health departments. For testing, treatment, or clinical questions, contact your healthcare team or the relevant health department. 211 Virginia offers a separate directory for community needs such as food, housing, transportation, and benefits.
These are independent services. Check the organization’s coverage, eligibility, opening information, and language support before relying on a listing. FERI-TB can be contacted to discuss a navigation or coordination question; listing a resource here does not imply a formal partnership.
Maryland: care and community-resource directories
The Maryland Department of Health lists local health departments for jurisdiction-specific public health contacts. 211 Maryland provides information about community support options. A clear initial question can help: state the city or county and the type of resource needed, then ask about the organization’s process.
If an initial referral does not work, note why. The resource may serve a different location, require another document, have limited availability, or provide a different type of support. That information helps identify a more appropriate next connection.
Reliable TB information
CDC explains inactive TB, active TB disease, testing, and treatment. Use those materials to support a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. The treatment plan and its duration depend on clinical circumstances. Complete medicines as directed and discuss difficulties with the treating team.
FERI-TB’s education is intended to make information and community connections more understandable. It does not replace an individual clinical assessment or instructions from the care team.