M4
Slide 11
CONTENT
Practical Illustration: High-Barrier vs. Low-Barrier Systems
Two contrasting approaches show how removing barriers changes the outcome:
High-Barrier vs. Low-Barrier Systems
HIGH-BARRIER SYSTEM
Appointment-only booking
ID required
Abstinence required
No transport support
Missed appointment → discharge
Outcome:
The person disengages.
LOW-BARRIER INTEGRATED SYSTEM
Walk-in access
Outreach engagement
ID recovery support
Harm reduction
Transport vouchers
Warm referrals
Case manager follow-up
Outcome:
The person remains engaged despite instability.
CORE INSIGHT
Low-barrier and equitable access defines how, where, and when services are delivered. Serving people where they are means:
Bringing care to them physically
Adapting clinically to readiness
Reducing administrative exclusion
Ensuring financial accessibility
Creating relational safety
Providing wrap-around services
Guaranteeing continuity
Without this principle:
Whole-person care remains theoretical
Case management cannot function
Housing pathways are delayed
Trust cannot develop
Integrated care is not only about coordination. It is about building systems that are reachable, flexible, equitable — and structurally responsive.