10News honors Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) and Wayne Fortin for providing on-scene assistance to victims of trauma. After receiving the Leadership Award in 1990, TIP has expanded nationally.

Wayne founded TIP in 1985 as a response to the need of trauma victims at the scene of a tragedy. He realized the importance of having emotional and practical support within the first 3-4 hours following a crisis. Such support is often key in preventing future psychological problem for survivors. Wayne was a psychotherapist for County Mental Health in Oceanside and saw a need for this type of program after treating numerous patients who were not primary victims.

Trauma Intervention Programs, a non-profit organization, is made up of specially trained volunteers who are committed to helping their community. They are on call every day throughout the year and are contacted by authorized police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to assist victims in a traumatic situation. Each month, the almost 100 volunteers give three, 12-hour shifts and have one, three-hour continuing education meeting, and go through over 50 hours of training. The volunteers, known as the Crisis Response Team, will respond to any location requested within 20 minutes of the time called. They follow up with the victims after the situations providing information and continued support.

TIP is funded by grants from local governments, individuals, corporate donors, partner agencies, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and fund raising. In 1991, TIP received $100,000 from the Harvard University and Ford Foundation for earning an "Innovation in State and Local Government Award." These funds were used to introduce TIP to other cities. There are now 18 chapters serving 100 cities throughout the nation.

For more information, please contact TIP San Diego at (760) 931-2104 or visit http://www.tipsandiego.org/