About The Gatekeeper Program of Oklahoma County
The Gatekeeper Program of Oklahoma County is a cooperative effort of many concerned organizations and individuals in our community to assist Oklahoma County residents (age 60+) who need help but may be unable to get it for themselves.
Many seniors are healthy, active people involved with family, friends, church and community. But others are not so fortunate. They may live alone and have little contact with other people. If they become ill or unable to function independently, they can easily go unnoticed and unattended, sometimes creating a life-threatening situation.
Gatekeepers are people in the community with public contact who may interact with seniors in the normal course of the day. Gatekeepers serve as the eyes and ears of the community by helping to identify and refer seniors in need.
A single phone call can save a life!
One confidential call to the Gatekeeper Referral Line at 840-9676 mobilizes a response team to contact the elderly person, assess the needs and link the individual to community services. That one phone call begins a four-step process of caring that can save a life:
1. Call received on the Gatekeeper Referral Line (at HeartLine)
2. Referral assigned to a response team of professionals (from partner agencies)
3. Home visit and assessment made by response team (within 3 days)
4. With client agreement, client linked to community services to meet identified needs
A large network of Gatekeepers is needed. Businesses, neighborhood associations, faith and civic groups may request a presentation about the Gatekeeper Program and how to become a Gatekeeper. For more information, please call Gatekeeper Program Director Janet Riggan.