Responding to Coronavirus: TAPS Extends Virtual Services for Families Grieving Deaths of a Military Loved One

TAPS Provides More Opportunities for Survivors to Connect and Receive Support with Expanded Online Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 25, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. – It’s a time of uncertainty for our nation as we face the threat posed by the Coronavirus, and for those who are already struggling with grief over the death of a loved one who served in the military, these troublesome times add more stress.

To provide ongoing support during this national emergency to survivors grieving the death of a loved one who served in the military, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is extending its online capabilities, adding more opportunities for survivors to connect and receive support as needed.

“In a time when we are being asked to keep a physical distance between ourself and others, including those who were our supporters, we may feel even more isolated in our grief,” said TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll. “This is the time when we can lean on our TAPS family, and find strength with our Peer Mentors and in our online communities. We can also reach out 24/7 to TAPS through the National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS. We are a family, here for each other.”

TAPS is doing the following:

• The National Military Survivor Helpline, 1-800-959-TAPS (8277), will continue to be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, as it has been since 1994.
• The TAPS Casework Team has been fully mobilized to support survivors seeking immediate assistance with Education Benefits, Emergency Financial Assistance, and Retroactive Benefits.
• The TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing is hosting a daily TAPS Talk at 2 p.m. ET  so survivors can get real-time support virtually and helpful resources on topics like mindfulness and self-care. TAPS Talks are archived for those who would like to watch them at an alternate time.
• The TAPS survivor e-newsletter is now distributed weekly, instead of monthly, to provide additional support.
• TAPS is expanding its social media engagement and some TAPS Care Groups will be meeting online at least through April.
• The staff Survivor Care Team and volunteer peer mentors remain vigilant in reaching out and making new connections with the newly bereaved in their communities and checking in with all surviving families in our support network.

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ABOUT TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 90,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).

Media Interviews: Please contact media@taps.org or 202.588.8277 to arrange interviews with TAPS staff and survivors.