Problem: Programs to provide service and support to the community often do not find and service the isolated elderly, who frequently are in need of their support. The same problems which require support often result in inability or unwillingness to self-report to the system. Proposed Solution: The opportunity for identification and referral is found at the various points of contact with the elderly. In the Gatekeeper program, customer-service and customer-contact personnel of a variety of public and private utilities, businesses, and government agencies are trained to note signs of problems for which assistance is available. These personnel can then contact the county's Elderly Services department and refer the person in need for evaluation and assistance. The Eastern Washington Area Agency on Aging helps Spokane County to fund and administer the project. Evaluation: The Gatekeeper program is responsible for over 40 percent of the new cases in the Elderly Services department. These cases are often those who might not have been referred without the program. The services provided do meet a need; the program has reduced the number of the elderly in nursing homes in the county and decreased the suicide rate among the population. Contacts: Raymond Raschko, Director, Elderly Services, Spokane Community Mental Helath Center, N. 5125 Market St, Spokane, WA 99207. Phone 509-458-7450. Citation: "Innovations 1992." Governing Magazine, Volume 6, October 1992, pp. 36-37. Keywords: social services, aging