Many Narcotics Anonymous members have found Hospitals and Institutions service to be an important part of their personal recovery. Our members, who actively participate in H&I service, are very important resources in our fellowship. A commitment to H&I service is one of the many ways to become involved with the NA service structure and help us feel a part of our fellowship.
Why is an H&I Meeting/Presentation Needed
The purpose of an H&I meeting is to carry the NA message of recovery to addicts who do not have full access to regular Narcotics Anonymous meetings. H&I meetings/presentations, except for those in longer term facilities, are intended to simply introduce those attending to some of the basics of the NA program.
Meeting / Presentation Format
The format of any particular H&I meeting/presentation may vary from meeting to meeting depending on the type of facility. In short term facilities, the format will be more focused on the panel members carrying a message in to the residents, while at a long term facility we may encourage more participation from the residents.Whatever format is chosen, we normally get the residents involved with a question and answer session at some point in the meeting/presentation.
Who is Best Suited to Carry the NA Message in an H&I Meeting
In our experience, it is best for members to have three months clean before attending an H&I meeting, and six months clean before speaking at one. It is not important whether or not we have been in a similar facility ourselves. Anyone with a clear and consistent Narcotics Anonymous message who is willing to share is well suited for H&I work.
How Do I Get Involved?
An area H&I subcommittee is the center for planning and organization. This is the ideal place to start getting involved! The first thing to do is to show up at an area H&I subcommittee meeting and attend an orientation for new and interested members. These orientation meetings help members become familiar with the information and clean time requirements necessary for service in H&I. At these meetings, members are selected to carry our message into facilities. Usually, the next step is to attend an H&I meeting as an observer. Through this process members gain a basic understanding of H&I service and decide on a level of involvement.
Information Regarding H&I service in the Texas Tri-County Area
If interested in participating in H&I service in our area, please contact H&I chair Kerry B. at 281-280-8446 for additional information.If you are a member of NA and want to help unify our services with Hospitals and Institutions, we meet at 1:00 p.m. the same day and place as ASC (see the Area Service info. page and click on the 2009 area service meeting schedule for time and location.)
