TIP About Us

About Trauma Intervention Program

TIP of Merrimack Valley, Inc. has been providing emergency emotional first aid to traumatized children and adults since its inception on October 19, 1993. We are the first New England chapter as part of a unique national TIP program. The main geographic coverage area includes over 175,000 citizens. While the calls primarily originate from the communities of Andover, Methuen, Lawrence, and North Andover, additional surrounding Massachusetts cities and towns continue to utilize our services.

What is TIP?
Why TIP?
When is TIP called?
What do TIP Volunteers do?
Who are TIP Volunteers?
Who pays for TIP services?
TIP Training

What is TIP?

The Trauma Intervention Program "TIP" is a group of specially trained citizen volunteers that provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy.

Why TIP?

Following a traumatic event, the persons involved often feel helpless, confused, and experience emotional shock. They are confronted with a situation for which they are totally unprepared. Often there is no-one available in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy to guide victims through these difficult hours.

Research indicates people who receive emotional and practical support in the immediate aftermath of a trauma will recover quicker than those who do not.

The TIP volunteer, having an understanding of the normal trauma response and EMS system, can normalize feelings and predict the process. This necessary temporary support is provided until the persons involved in the crisis are able to depend on family, friends, neighbors and others.

When is TIP called?

TIP Volunteers are always available. They are called by authorized police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to assist:
* Family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death.
* Victims of a crime; including rape, assault, robbery, and burglary.
* Victims of fire.
* Disoriented or lonely elder persons.
* Persons involved in vehicle accidents.
* Persons who are distraught and seeking immediate support.
* Family members of a person who has attempted or completed suicide.

What do TIP Volunteers do?

* Accompany police officials and clergy when providing death notification to family members

* Provide emotional support ensuring that no-one faces a trauma alone

* Arrange for shelter, food, clothing, transportation

* Help notify family and friends

* Serve as a liaison between victims and emergency/hospital staff, medical examiners office, police and fire officials

* Arrange for follow-up services and referral to agencies established in the community for long-term support

* Victim advocacy

TIP volunteers are citizens of all ages and occupations who have a deep desire to help others. Many of the volunteers have been healed from a traumatic event themselves, and realize the importance of immediate support from a caring and knowledgeable person.

TIP VOLUNTEERS ALSO ASSIST...

* children involved with or are a witness to a traumatic event
* victims of fire
* family members or friends following a natural or unexpected death
* crime victims including rape, assault, robbery, and burglary
* disoriented or needy elders
* persons involved in motor vehicle accidents
* family/friends of a person who has attempted or completed suicide
* citizens identified by emergency responders as needing immediate support

Who are TIP Volunteers?

The TIP Volunteers are citizens of all ages and occupations who have a deep desire to help others. Many of the volunteers have been through a traumatic event themselves, and realize the importance of immediate support from a caring and knowledgeable person.

Who pays for TIP services?

The Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Services are provided to victims and their families free of charge and are made possible through grants from local government and individuals and through fundraising efforts.

Your contributions can help us continue to provide the supportive and life enhancing services our clients desperately need. With your investment in TIP of Merrimack Valley Inc., we will continue to provide these services for the many children and adults and their families, who turn to us for help at the most frightening and critical time of their lives.

TIP Training

The Trauma Intervention Program is committed to helping everyone in the community become more effective helpers when confronted with someone in crisis. Psychological first aid training is available to groups upon request.

PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Trauma Intervention Program of Merrimack Valley, Inc.
167 East Street | Methuen, MA 01844
Phone: 978-975-8471| Fax: 978-975-4321
Email: info@traumaintervention.com

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