One of the many disturbing phenomena of our era is the rate of increase of problems that stem from widespread demoralization. We really do not understand clearly the causes, but the symptoms of our malaise are painfully evident, and getting worse. Crime, violence, nihilism, faithlessness, despair?a breakdown of the social fabric in general, are now all part of the new reality that, when combined with political, economic, racial, and a variety of other social problems, tend to overwhelm individuals in nearly every category. The rich, poor, and middle class, children, teen-agers, young adults, the middle aged, and the elderly all seem to be touched and, at times, made desperate, by the vicissitudes of existence in our modern world. Seeking explanations and delving into the causes of these developments run the gamut from the simplistic notion that modern communication has made us more aware to attributing the causes to overpopulation, to longing for more tranquil times, or approaching the problem from a "law and order" point of view. No matter how bizarre, occult, or sensible the suggested means of dealing with the severity and number of these problems and the multitudes they affect, the problems remain with us. We have seen the moral, spiritual, value judgment stress factors inundate the White House as a result of the Watergate affair. Whatever our personal interpretation of this situation may be, it seems to me that the medical and ministerial professions are in a special position to do something beneficial about it through service to our patients, our flock, our brothers and sisters, and through awareness of our moral responsibility. I would like in this article to give a brief account of why I have become involved in community health problems and what I have observed and learned from this involvement. I would also like to suggest a practical means of expanding the much-needed services of people who care and understand that mankind is in a bit of a bind and that we who are trained properly stand the best chance of being able to do something definite about helping humanity. I came to medicine and psychiatry out of experiences that are common to many Americans. My life was blessed and then deprived in my youth, all within a short span of time. My Finnish immigrant father crossed the seas to