Hospitals & Institutions

H&I FAQs

What is H&I?

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.

When?

The H&I Subcommittee meets on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30am

Where?

Terra Nova – 7550 40th St N, Pinellas Park, Fl 33781

What are the requirements to go into jails and prisons?

All applications are considered on a case by case basis based off a background check. All applicants must have at least 1 year clean. 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 from 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)
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The following links are provided for certain forms and applications that you may need when you decide to join the H&I Subcommittee:

Goodwill Suncoast Community Corrections Application ( 235K)

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Detention and Corrections Bureau Support Services Pinellas Division (The Jail Application Updated: 2/17/2022)

Please bring your completed applications to the next H & I Subcommittee meeting.
(First Sunday of every Month at “Terranova” at 9:30am)

H&I Resources

The following links are provided as a resource for anyone seeking more information about H&I:

H&I Orientation Packet 2016

Point of Contact

To contact the Hospitals and Institutions Subcommittee, email us directly at hi@bascna.org