RUHS Medical Center and Trauma Intervention Program Seeking Volunteers to Support Trauma Victims and Loved Ones in the Hours after Tragedy Strikes

Moreno Valley, CA —RUHS Medical Center and the Trauma Intervention Program are seeking citizen volunteers to provide emotional first-aid to survivors, friends and family who’ve suffered trauma from injury or a sudden death—whether natural, suicide or accidental.

Local police, fire, medical and hospital personnel also call on TIP volunteers to support victims in traumatic events such as assault, fire and motor vehicle accidents said Magda Stewart, chief executive officer for Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southwest Riverside County.

“Witnesses and survivors of these events are often in shock. They feel completely helpless and confused,” Stewart said. “Our role is to provide emotional, practical support and to be there to support survivors. We are a force multiplier for first responders.”

“These volunteers are our heart when we are in the midst of an emergency and trying to save a life,” said Leah Patterson, executive director of critical care and emergency department services at RUHS Medical Center, which sees about 90,000 emergency and trauma patients each year.

“We have a higher sense of peace knowing our TIP volunteers are here,” Patterson said. “They allow us to focus on our work because we know the patient’s loved ones are receiving the support they need.”

Stewart said TIP wants to train at least 30 volunteers in a 55-hour program that is scheduled to begin the evening of Wednesday, May 1, at the Moreno Valley Police Department, 22850 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley.  Learn more at www.tipswrc.org or call 951-698-2453

WHO:  Trauma Intervention Program of Southwest Riverside County; learn more at www.tipswrc.orgor call 951-698-2453

WHAT: Trauma Intervention Program of Southwest Riverside County to offer a training over 8 days to volunteers interested in supporting those who have suffered trauma and crisis and responding to calls at RUHS—Medical Center in Moreno Valley. Bilingual volunteers needed.

WHY: TIP is a group of specially trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support to victims and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy.

WHEN: Training begins Wednesday, May 1 through Saturday, May 11 (mostly evenings). May 1 training begins from 6 p.m-9 p.m.

WHERE: Moreno Valley Police Department

22850 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos

Moreno Valley, CA 92553