ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — When tragedy strikes in Buncombe and Henderson counties, trained volunteers with the Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina are often among the first to arrive to help those affected.

TIP volunteers are dispatched at the request of first responders to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of sudden traumatic events. Any first responder in Buncombe or Henderson counties can request a TIP volunteer through 911 telecommunicators at any time, 24 hours a day. Volunteers typically arrive on scene within 20 to 25 minutes.

The organization most often responds to calls involving unwitnessed or unexpected deaths, suicides, overdoses, motor vehicle or workplace accidents, traumatic incidents involving children and homicides. Volunteers offer reassurance, emotional support and community resource information to people during some of their most vulnerable moments.

TIP of Western North Carolina is now recruiting new volunteers and will hold its Winter 2026 Training Academy from Feb. 25 through March 7. Training will take place during evenings and weekends, and no prior experience is required.

To qualify, volunteers must live within the service area, be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, hold a valid driver’s license and commit to three 12-hour shifts each month.

TIP officials say the program is open to anyone with a desire to serve and support community members during times of crisis.

More information and volunteer registration are available here or by calling 828-513-0498./