![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TIP.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina is a national nonprofit organization that works with local public safety officials in Buncombe and Henderson counties to provide emotional and practical support to citizens experiencing trauma.<\/p>\n
Trained community volunteers are called by emergency personnel to support those affected by sudden tragedy, including scenes where there has been an overdose, a suicide, a fatal car accident, a homicide, or other sudden loss. TIP volunteers are available 365 days per year, 24 hours a day and can be called by any first responder with the 48 agencies in the two counties.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TIPlogo.png\")
TIP is well known and respected by first responders in Western North Carolina. \u201cAsheville Police Department is grateful for the support of TIP volunteers and the compassion they bring to help people in difficult times,\u201d says Asheville Police Captain Mike Lamb. \u201cWe encourage our officers to request a TIP volunteer any time someone at a scene needs immediate emotional support. These trained volunteers are professional and effective, available around the clock, and a valuable partner in APD\u2019s efforts to support the community when tragedy strikes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe presence of the TIP representative allowed our personnel to focus on the patient rather than having to split resources and care for the family as well,\u201d says Captain Dennis Ball of the Asheville Fire Department. \u201cIt is so helpful and comforting to us as emergency responders to know that the family has someone that can assist them not only during the initial emergency, but even more importantly after our task has been completed and we have returned to service.\u201d<\/p>\n
TIP of WNC is currently recruiting volunteers.\u00a0 The training academy is held at night and on weekends over ten days, from March 23 to April 1. It is led by national trainers and outside speakers who ensure that TIP volunteers are ready to respond to scenes of tragedy.\u00a0 No experience or expertise is required to be a TIP volunteer, but you must complete the entire training, be at least 16 years old, pass a background investigation, and be flexible and willing to respond anywhere in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Volunteers are \u201con-call\u201d three 12-hour shifts each month and must attend a monthly continuing education meeting.<\/p>\n