Trauma intervention graduates to be feted Monday

During their intense, 50-hour course, San Diego’s Trauma Intervention Program trainees learn what to say to people in times of crisis. Just as importantly, they learn what not to say.

When these trainees graduate, they’re prepared to provide emotional and practical support to people who’ve unexpectedly lost loved ones, been through accidents or experienced other tragedies.

Monday, 15 trauma intervention volunteers will graduate at a ceremony that welcomes their families and friends. Their prize: the privilege of helping people at one of the darkest times of their lives. The event takes place Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Department, located at 8085 University Ave.

Elly Harris, the program’s manager, gave an example of a potential intervention: helping a woman who lost her 89-year-old husband to make funeral arrangements in the short term. In the long term, the volunteers might help her continue her routine of eating breakfast and taking medications despite the disruption.

“We’re dispatched to the home of these people, we sit with them, we give them the practical support they need,” Harris said.

Other potential interventions include suicides, natural disasters and helping people who are disoriented or distraught. The volunteers work with paramedics and other first responders, signing up for periodic 12-hour shifts. TIPS volunteers are available year-round, around the clock, according to the program’s website,

After Monday’s graduation, 110 volunteers will serve in North County and 40 will serve in East County. Other programs provide services to other areas. The nonprofit receives grants and donations and uses some public funds, Harris said.

Harris got involved 14 years ago for the same reason the other volunteers do: “I wanted to give back to the community. I think the program is so needed in every community.”