About TIP of Greater Portland

TIP of Greater Portland is a chapter of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. (TIP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1985. TIP has 14 affiliates serving over 250 cities across the nation. TIP of Greater Portland, Maine provides services to police, fire and hospital staff serving the following areas: Cities of Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and towns of Cumberland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Scarborough and Windham. Also, Maine Medical Center's trauma emergency department and special care units for adults and pediatrics.

TIP has received the prestigious Innovations Award in State and Local government from Harvard University and Ford Foundation, Crime Victim Service Award from the U.S. Justice Department, and the Governor's Victim Service Award from the State of California.

The Greater Portland Chapter of TIP was founded in 2005 as the result of a collaborative effort between the Community Counseling Center and the Portland Maine Junior League. Support and guidance of this chapter will come from TIP National and TIP's local Advisory Committee.

TIP is a group of specially trained volunteers who provide emotional first aid and practical support to survivors of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. Trained, skilled TIP responders are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are called by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital personnel to assist family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death; survivors of violent crime including rape, assault, robbery, or burglary; survivors of fire; disoriented or lonely elderly persons; people involved in motor vehicle accidents; people who are distraught and seeking immediate support; and those whose loved one has died by suicide or overdose.