TIP, Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc., is a group of specially trained volunteers who provide emotional aid and practical support to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. TIP of Orange County, founded in 1995, is a chapter of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. (TIP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1985. TIP of Orange County currently has 99 trained volunteers serving *21 jurisdictions, 12 hospitals and 11 public safety agencies.
TIP Volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are called by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital personnel to assist family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death; victims of violent crime including rape, assault, robbery, or burglary; victims of fire; disoriented or lonely elderly persons; people involved in motor vehicle accidents; people who are distraught and seeking immediate support; and survivors of suicide.
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 Orange County, they call TIP Volunteers who can prevent a second injury. In parts of the county which do not have a TIP Program, second injuries reported by victims are common.
TIP Teens is a program which involves young people (ages 16-21) as active volunteers in the Trauma Intervention Program. Involving teens in the local TIP Chapter directly benefits the teens and also enhances the capability of TIP to serve youth who have been traumatized.
If you are interested in reaching out to those in need, consider becoming a part of this amazing organization. For more information about TIP, go to: http://www.tiporangecounty.org/index2.htm
