We help each other: primary prevention for the widowed.

The authors describe the inception and evolution of a program of primary prevention directed at widowed men and women. The program has four major components-the widowed (telephone) line, home visits, social gatherings, and community seminars. The various roles that the counselor plays in the program are illustrated in a case report. An informal follow-up survey of 100 participants in the program revealed that the vast majority of those served felt the program was of benefit to them.