Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc
TIP National
THE FIRST RESPONSE IS ONLY HALF THE RESCUE
When Tragedy Happens, TIP is there.
When tragedy strikes, TIPʼs Second Responders are on-the-scene to provide emotional first aid to survivors.
Volunteer
Join a local team and provide on scene emotional first aid to those in crisis.
Bring Emotional First Aid to Your Community
Learn about starting a local TIP affiliate and building a team of trained volunteers who respond when tragedy strikes.
Donate
Support the mission and help expand crisis response programs nationwide.
Emotional Rescue Deserves a Response
Our Mission: Our volunteers provide emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy in order to ease their immediate suffering and facilitate their healing and long term recovery.
History…
For over four decades, Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) has quietly shown up during everyday tragedies to provide critical on-scene emotional first aid. Founded in 1985, TIP is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing immediate, on-scene emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy, from crime victims to families facing sudden loss. Activated by police, fire, EMS, and hospitals 24/7/365, TIP volunteers respond within minutes to offer presence, guidance, and care when it matters most.
Who We Help…
Families after a sudden or unexpected death
Survivors of violent crime, fire, or accidents
Isolated or disoriented elderly individuals
People in crisis or emotional distress
Survivors of suicide
Victims of critical Incidents
TIP’s Core Values…
Compassionate Service: We believe providing a loving presence to survivors is our most important mission
Excellence: We uphold high standards of service and accountablity.
Responding 24/7/365 with consistency and care.
Diversity and inclusion: We welcome volunteers and staff of all backgrounds and are committed to serving everyone in our communities with dignity and respect.
Integrity: We strive to lead with honesty, transparency and authenticity in every interaction.
Empowerment: We foster a sense of belonging, growth and purpose among our volunteers, board members and staff.
Community Impact: We engage local residents in public safety through meaningful service and leadership opportunities.
Preparedness and Sustainability: We plan for the future by nurturing volunteer leadership and ensuring continuity in our programs.
Lifelong Learning: We evolve through continued education, always learning from our field experiences to better support those in crisis.
TIP By the Numbers…
300,000+ volunteer hours donated each year
Over $1.5 million in time and service value contributed annually
On-call coverage 24/7/365
Rapid on-scene support within 20–25 minutes of dispatch
As of 2025, 15 affiliates serving 300 communities
Recognition…
Selected as the People’s Choice winner of Purpose, Produced, a 2025 program initiative by SixDegrees.org to amplify the voices of six nonprofits driving real change in their communities.
Innovations in State and Local Government Award from Harvard University and the Ford Foundation
The Crime Victim Service Award from the U.S. Department of Justice
Governor’s Victim Service Award from the State of California
Testimonials
Scott Vivier, Fire Chief, City of Henderson, NV
Every call leaves a mark. Thanks to TIP of Southern Nevada, our fire and EMS crews have compassionate allies helping restore balance after the storm. First responders protect the community. TIP protects their humanity. When the circumstances of life weigh heavily on those we serve, this program lifts hearts and minds.
TIP Client
The volunteer came to support my family due to the loss of my grandfather. She was incredibly supportive, a great listener and provided us with ideas to help keep my grandfather’s memory alive. She was truly a ray of sunshine during this storm, and we were incredibly grateful for the giving and supportive ways she helped my family.
Darin Balaam, Sheriff, Washoe County, NV
I am particularly impressed by TIP’s ability to provide services in our community 24/7/365, with multiple volunteers responding when there is a need. Since TIP’s inception in Washoe County in 2009, our agency has never been declined a request for service, regardless of the nature.
TIP Client
She was like an angel in so many ways. So very helpful. I came home and found my sister unexpectedly deceased. The police and firemen suggested one of your volunteers come and help us. She helped us with so many things. We would not have known what to do. Thank you so much. You were a godsend.
Derek Bastinelli, Deputy Sheriff, Lane County, OR
The two women were very compassionate and helpful from the time they arrived. In addition to needing support for the family on scene, I needed resources for a 14 year child who did not know about the two deceased family members (in his own household). TIP was a huge relief to me and my deputies on this investigation.
