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When?
The H&I Subcommittee meets on the first Sunday of the month at 8:30am
Where?
The Place, 5540 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 (56th St. & 72nd Ave)
See Map.
What?
The purpose of Hospitals and Institutions is to carry the NA message of recovery to addicts who do not have full access to regular Narcotics Anonymous meetings, such as those individuals in jails, hospitals, and institutions. H&I meetings and presentations, except for those in longer term facilities, are intended to simply introduce those attending to some of the basics of the NA program. Often these individuals have no other way of hearing our message. It is their first exposure to recovery in NA for many addicts, so it's imperative we carry a clear and consistent message of NA recovery. We are to project a positive image of our fellowship.
Why?
Hospitals and institutions service offers addicts an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude,
fulfill responsibility, and share the NA message without expectations. It is also an effective tool
that helps us stay clean, and keeps us coming back. The H&I message is the same as the NA
message: "That an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a
new way to live." The gift we share is hope and freedom from active addiction through the
program of Narcotics Anonymous. Any NA member who wants to carry this message is
encouraged to get involved with H&I service. 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.
Who?
To attend H&I subcommittee meetings you only need to be a member of NA. 90 days clean are required to go into facilities and 6 months clean are required to share at facilities. It is not important whether or not we have ever been a resident or locked up. Anyone with a clear and consistent Narcotics Anonymous message who is willing to share is well suited for H&I work.
What are the requirements to go into jails and prisons?
3 years off paper for misdemeanors and 5 years off paper for felonies is required. Also, State and County do background checks for warrants. (i.e. check records, convictions, run through FEDS, etc.) Individuals also have to follow facility requirements. Formats 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 to the residents, whereas long term facilities may encourage participation from residents.
How is an H&I meeting different than a regular NA meeting?
H&I meetings are closed meetings. It's by invitation only, participants are chosen by the panel leader. We do not give out key tags and we do not read the 12 Traditions. Participants in the H&I meetings also include the panel leader, panel chair, panel members/speakers and anyone else approved by the H&I sub-committee.
To go to the jail, will they contact my employer?
No, it's completely anonymous.
The purpose of the Guide to Behind the Walls Booklet is to establish a guide on how to identify the need for
Narcotics Anonymous meetings inside correctional institutions. Behind the Walls Guide ( 1.75M)
Copyright © NA World Services Inc. All Rights Reserved
The following links are provided for certain forms and applications that you may need when you decide to join the H&I Subcommittee:
Florida Department of Corrections Volunteer Application ( 80K)
Goodwill Suncoast Community Corrections Application ( 235K)
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Detention and Corrections Bureau Application ( 85K)
CLICK HERE TO SEE SAMPLE OF A FILLED OUT Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Application ( 490K)
Please bring your completed application to the next H & I Subcommittee meeting.
(First Sunday of every Month at "The Place" at 8:30am)
The following link is provided as a resource for anyone seeking more information about H&I:
World Service Committee Hospitals and Institutions Handbook ( 550K)
Copyright © NA World Services Inc. All Rights Reserved
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