Developing and Increasing Access to Health and Community Services

What are the barriers to access to health and community services?

Funding-related barriers to access Availability of services. Adequacy of available services to meet the need.

Physical barriers to access

Programmatic barriers to access Lack of outreach capacity. Ineffective outreach. Negative perception of the program. Affordability, eligibility, and other issues raised by organizational resources or funders. Program quality.

Barriers to individuals' access Transportation Program location Program schedule Child care The target population doesn't see the issue as a problem Personal issues Cultural issues

Reducing the barriers: how to increase access to health and community services Getting a program started or increasing the capacity of an existing program almost always requires money. Regardless of the source of that money - public and/or private - you aren't likely to get it without vigorous advocacy.

Finding private funding sources Foundations Community fundraising

Breaking down the physical barriers to access Removing or adapting physical barriers is, in large part, a financial issue, but there may be some creative ways to address it without, or in addition to, money.

Making sure your program does the job Increasing program capacity. Developing effective outreach. Negative perceptions of the program. Affordability and eligibility. Program quality.

Removing barriers to individuals' participation Transportation. Program location. Program schedule. Child care. Target population doesn't see the issue as a problem. Target population's personal issues with the service. Cultural issues.