Problem: Among those left uninsured under the current health care system are many children. Fairfax County, VA found itself with a heavy demand on doctors and emergency rooms resulting from problems among the uninsured working poor. Often treatment was required for conditions that could have been prevented if care had been available earlier in the illness or if preventive medicine had been available. Proposed Solution: In an effort to make medical services available and to reduce the costs associated with conditions left untreated, the county enlisted the help of the health care providers in the area. Providers agree to make medical services available to the uninsured children for a heavily discounted price; the county subsidizes part of this price and works to improve public knowledge of the program's availability. Evaluation: The program has been a success. The county has been able to provide more services to children in need of medical and dental care, and has improved the percentage of these children who are able to use these services. Support from the business community has helped fund the program. Contact:Jean M. Van Devanter, Director of Public Affairs, 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Citation: "Innovations in State and Local Government 1990." New York: The Ford Foundation, 1990. pp 22-23. Keywords: health care insurance uninsured