Contact: Valerie Compagna
207-699-7178
valerie.compagna@mainehealth.org
PORTLAND, Maine –Management of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Greater Portland, formerly part of Maine Behavioral Healthcare has transitioned to its founding organization, Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc., (TIP National) effective September 1, 2020.
This move will allow better coordination and oversight among the 14 TIP affiliate chapters throughout the country. In particular, the transition will provide improved support of the program as it shifts to the changing COVID landscape. The Greater Portland chapter will have improved coordination with other TIP chapters as they seek innovative ways to respond to calls in a safe way. TIP National will be able to support Maine’s program as it adapts to finding new ways to serve the community.
In its 15-year history with Maine Behavioral Healthcare, TIP developed a team of highly skilled volunteers ready at a moment’s notice to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of traumatic events and their families within the immediate aftermath of such an event. Prior to the transition to TIP National, Maine Behavioral Healthcare embarked on a month-long virtual celebration of heroes that continues throughout the month of September.
The month-long celebration took the place of the annual Heroes with Heart celebration that was cancelled in April due to the pandemic. The event honors police officers, firefighters, first responders, hospital personnel and citizen volunteers who went above the call of duty during the past year to provide compassionate support to citizens in crisis.
“We are so proud of our association with TIP and wanted to continue with this important recognition of our TIP volunteers and community heroes,” said Suellen Griffin, Interim President of Maine Behavioral Healthcare. “I am excited to see the program continue its growth under the direction of TIP National and very pleased that the program will remain in place here in Maine.”
Those interested may view the month-long celebration of heroes directly from MaineBehavioralHealthcare.org/TIP throughout September.
Members of the community interested in becoming trained as a TIP volunteer are welcome to attend the next training class scheduled to begin October 22, 2020. For more information, visit the Greater Portland Chapter of TIP from its new TIP National website at TipGreaterPortland.org.
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About Maine Behavioral Healthcare:
Maine Behavioral Healthcare (MBH) is a not-for-profit organization serving more than 20,000 children, adolescents and adults at over 30 locations throughout southern, western, and mid-coast Maine, providing a continuum of coordinated mental healthcare from outpatient community offices to inpatient acute care at Spring Harbor Hospital. Learn more at MainebeBavioralHealthcare.org