Question 1

What is TIP?

Accepted Answer

The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that those who are emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the assistance they need. To accomplish that goal, TIP works closely with local communities to establish emergency services volunteer programs. In these programs, well-trained citizen volunteers are called to emergency scenes to assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders directly on-scene, during the investigation

Question 2

Who are TIP volunteers?

Accepted Answer

TIP volunteers are citizens 18-years-old or older and from all occupations who have a deep desire to help others. Many of the volunteers have been through a traumatic experience themselves and realize the importance of immediate support from a caring and knowledgeable person. Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Question 3

Who pays for TIP services?

Accepted Answer

Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada, Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization. Services are provided to victims and their families free of charge and made possible through grants from local government and individuals and fund-raising efforts. Click here to find out how you can help.

Question 4

When does TIP respond?

Accepted Answer

TIP volunteers are available 24/7, including holidays. Volunteers are called by authorized police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital personnel to assist: 
Family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death (suicide, drowning, etc.) 
Victims of crime including sexual assault, robbery, burglary, and domestic violence. 
Persons involved in vehicle accidents. 
Persons who are distraught and seeking immediate support.

Question 5

What do TIP volunteers do?

Accepted Answer

When called to scenes, volunteers:
Provide emotional and practical support
Help arrange for immediate practical needs depending on the circumstance.
Assists with notifications to family and friends. 
Serve as a liaison between the victims and emergency/hospital personnel. 
Provide information and referrals to appropriate agencies for on-going assistance.

Question 6

Why do people need TIP?

Accepted Answer

Following a traumatic event, the person involved often feels helpless, confused, and in 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 the victims through these difficult hours. The TIP volunteer provides this necessary immediate support until persons involved in the crisis are able to depend on family, friends, neighbors, and others.

Question 7

How did TIP start?

Accepted Answer

TIP was founded by Wayne Forti,n a licensed mental health professional who has worked in the community mental health field for over 20 years. In 1985, he founded the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) within the San Diego County Mental Health system.
 
In 1989, Mr. Fortin established the TIP program as a non profit organization (Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc.) dedicated to providing immediate support to those emotionally traumatized by crisis events.
Mr. Fortin led Trauma Intervention Programs Inc. in a national competition for the Innovations in State and Local Government Award from Harvard University and the Ford Foundation which TIP was awarded in 1991. This award is widely considered to be the most prestigious award given to non profits and public agencies. Following this award, Mr. Fortin established a National Office of Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. dedicated to establishing TIP programs nationwide.
Today, Mr. Fortin continues to lead the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. He oversees 18 regional Chapters which serve over 75 cities, 100 hospitals, 67 police departments, and 55 fire departments. Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. is the largest operator of emergency services volunteer programs in the nation.
In April 2000, Mr. Fortin received the 2000 Crime Victim Service Award from Attorney General Janet Reno. This award is considered the highest federal award for victim advocates.
Mr. Fortin continues to devote his professional career to assisting hospitals and communities develop their capacity to provide compassionate care in emergency settings (emergency departments, ICU's, burn units, pediatric ICU's, and on emergency scenes). He has developed the TIP National Emotional First Aid Course which has been offered to hundreds of health care professionals across the nation.
Mr. Fortin's primary goal is to make a major impact on the quality of care citizens receive from the emergency response system including the emergency health care system.

Question 8

Is TIP located in other cities?

Accepted Answer

TIP is located in select cities throughout the United States. To contact the National office, please visit www.tipnational.org. 
 
TIP Affiliates: 
 
California
 
TIP of Corona, Inc. | (951) 736-2373 | http://www.tipcorona.org 
TIP of Foothill/Sierra Mountain Inc. | (559) 279-9674 | http://www.tipfoothill.org 
TIP of SW Riverside County, Inc. | (951) 698-2453 | http://www.tipswrc.org 
TIP of Orange County | (949) 614-6333 | http://www.tiporangecounty.org 
TIP of San Diego County Inc. | (855) 847-7343 | http://www.tipsandiego.org 
TIP of Yuba-Sutter Inc. | (530) 673-9300 | http://www.yubasuttertip.org 
TIP of Long Beach | (562) 270-1246 | http://tipoflongbeach.org 
 
Idaho

TIP of The Treasure Valley | (208) 999-2081 | http://www.tiptreasurevalley.org 
 
Maine
 
TIP of Portland, ME | (207) 619-1175 | https://www.tipgreaterportland.org 
 
Massachusetts
 
TIP of Merrimack Valley, Inc. | (978) 975-8471 | https://www.tipmvofmass.org 
 
North Carolina
 
 TIP of Western North Carolina | (828) 513-0498 | http://www.tipofwnc.org
 
Nevada
 
TIP of Northern Nevada, Inc.| (775) 337-2112 | http://www.tipnnv.org 
TIP of Southern Nevada | (702) 229-0426 | http://www.tipoflasvegas.org 
 
Oregon
 
TIP of Portland/Vancouver, Inc. | (503) 823-3937 | http://www.tipnw.org

Everything you need to know about TIP.

What we do, who we are, how we got here, and why we do it.