TAPS READY TO OFFER TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE FOR SURVIVORS OF FORT HOOD SHOOTING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 5, 2009

Washington, D.C. – TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is a national non-profit organization which cares for anyone suffering the loss of a military member, and today’s Fort Hood shootings hit very close to home.

TAPS is headquartered in Washington D.C. but has one branch office at Ft. Hood, the largest Army base in the continental United States. TAPS provides care and comfort for bereaved survivors of military loss, regardless of the circumstance or location of the death.

“Obviously with such a sad turn of events, even more families stationed at Fort Hood will need the services TAPS provides,” said Kim Ruocco, TAPS Program Manager for Survivor Support. “We stand ready to help these bereaved families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our toll-free hotline is available at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).”

Several surviving families from prior military losses were at the TAPS office on Ft. Hood taking part in a survivor program at the time of the base lock down.

Fort Hood has hosted several TAPS regional seminars for adults and Good Grief Camps for children to help families of those who have died in military service to America. Earlier this year, TAPS opened a branch office at Fort Hood to assist bereaved military families. More information about TAPS is available at www.taps.org.

Media: TAPS spokespersons may be available via satellite or studio in Washington, DC or Boston, Mass.

About TAPS: TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for anyone who has been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge.

TAPS Media Contacts:

Elizabeth Kreft, Director of Communications & Outreach, 202-905-7262, elizabeth@taps.org
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Public Affairs Officer, 703-887-4877, ami@taps.org

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Elizabeth Kreft

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

Director of Communications and Outreach

Cell: 202-905-7262

Desk: 202-509-8254

www.taps.org

1777 F Street, NW Suite 600

Washington, D.C. 20006