About TIP

TIP of Western North Carolina is a chapter of Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. (TIP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1985 in San Diego County. TIP has 15 affiliates serving in approximately 250 cities across the nation.

TIP has received the prestigious Innovations Award in State and Local government from Harvard University and Ford Foundation, Crime Victim Service Award from the U.S. Justice Department, and the Governor's Victim Service Award from the State of California.

The Western North Carolina chapter receives support and guidance from a local Advisory Committee.

Volunteers respond quickly to traumatic incidents at the request of law enforcement, fire and hospital personnel to offer emotional support and practical resources to survivors, family members, witnesses, friends and bystanders. Volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to support those in need following an unexpected death or injury, suicide, overdose, motor vehicle or other accident, fire, sexual assault or other tragic event - often on the worst day of someone's life.

Why TIP

A major reason for the TIP Program is to prevent what mental health professionals call the “Second Injury.” The Second Injury is a victim’s perspective that the emergency system did not provide the support needed after a tragic event. Emergency personnel simply do not have the time to provide this support. In parts of the county that do not have a TIP Program, second injuries reported by survivors are common.

Three Examples of Second Injuries:

  • An elderly gentleman, whose wife was hit and killed in a crosswalk, was not informed why she was left in the street for hours. To this day, the husband is still angry at “the system.”

  • After a young man killed himself, his family was left to clean the bloody scene on their own. To this day, they wonder “why didn’t anyone help us with this awful task?”

  • After a mother of four died in an emergency department, her family felt pressed by busy hospital staff into choosing a mortuary. To this day, the family regrets the hurried decision they made.

These are just a sampling of the things that can happen to survivors in the aftermath of a tragic event. For example, survivors are given information as to how to contact crime scene cleanup companies and other community services. Additionally, TIP volunteers are trained to step in to work with staff and responders to act as information liaisons with survivors. TIP volunteers also help protect survivors against well-meaning friends who mistakenly say the wrong things.

What TIP Believes

Trauma Intervention Programs Inc. is passionate about including all members of the community in our organization regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, or physical disability. We believe that every member of the community has the potential to advance our mission by becoming involved as a TIP volunteer, a board member, a donor or a staff person. We strive to make staff and volunteer opportunities known and available to all segments of the community and to create an environment where anyone, from any background, can thrive as part of Trauma Intervention Programs Inc.