Trauma Intervention Program of Merrimack Valley

CONTACT:

167 East Street
Methuen, MA 01844
978- 975 - 8471
traumaintervention.com

Jayan Landry Conlin

DESCRIPTION:

People involved in a traumatic event often feel helpless, confused and emotionally shocked. If they receive emotional and practical support in the immediate aftermath of the trauma, they are much more likely to recover more quickly. TIP volunteers are a specially trained group called upon by police officers, firefighters and hospital personnel to provide exactly that service. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are authorized to respond to a scene within 20 minutes at the request of the emergency first responder, enabling the professionals to attend other cases. TIP provides emotional support; arranges for shelter, food, clothing and transportation; helps notify family and friends; serves as a liaison between victims and hospital/emergency staff and arranges for follow-up services. Many of the volunteers have endured a traumatic event themselves, and appreciate the values of immediate support from caring and knowledgeable persons. They also have published three children’s books, which have been translated into Spanish, and they now offer courses in “Emotional First Aid.” TIP has been serving residents of Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and North Andover since its founding in 1993, and with a 300% increase in calls and funding, has expanded its service to Haverhill and southern New Hampshire. Will you help them continue to grow and multiply?

(1999: HUMAN SERVICES: Health and Aging: General)