Central Lake Area Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the H&I Subcommittee?

The Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Subcommittee is a service body responsible for bringing the NA message of recovery into facilities where addicts cannot attend regular NA meetings. These include detox centres, treatment facilities, psychiatric units, and correctional institutions.

2. Why does NA carry the message into hospitals and institutions?

Many addicts find recovery while in a facility and cannot attend outside meetings. H&I ensures they still receive:

• Hope

• Identification with other recovering addicts

• Information on how and where to find NA once released
  It is a direct way to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.

3. What is an H&I panel?

An H&I panel is a meeting held inside a facility by NA members who volunteer through the H&I Subcommittee. Panels usually include:

• A chairperson

• One or more speakers

• Sharing on recovery through NA’s Twelve Steps

• NA-approved literature (when permitted)

Panels are not regular NA meetings—they are presentations of the NA message in a controlled setting.

4. Who can serve on an H&I panel?

Guidelines vary by facility, but general NA principles include:

• A willingness to serve

• A stable NA recovery program

• A clean-time requirement set by the subcommittee

• The ability to share responsibly

• Respect for NA Traditions and facility rules

Many facilities also require background checks or clearance.

5. Can anyone from the public attend an H&I panel?

No.
H&I meetings are not public NA meetings and are only for residents of the facility and approved NA panel members.

6. What is the difference between an H&I meeting and a regular NA meeting?

Regular NA Meeting

Open to any addict

Self-supporting through contributions

Members freely come and go

Led by the group hosting the meeting

H&I Panel

Restricted to residents of the facility

No 7th Tradition collection

Attendance is controlled by the facility and the Sub-Committee

Led by H&I volunteers under facility guidelines

H&I panels must follow both NA principles and the facility’s rules.

7. What kind of literature is used in H&I work?

Only NA-approved literature may be used.
Literature may be provided by:

• The Area Service Committee

• Donated by groups

• Purchased by the H&I Subcommittee (when funded)

Many facilities restrict softcover books or limit the number of items that can be brought in.

8. Is sharing personal contact information allowed?

No.
To protect both members and facilities, H&I volunteers do not:

• Give out personal phone numbers

• Accept personal information from residents

• Sponsor clients while they are still in a facility

When residents are released, they can find NA through meeting lists, helplines, and local groups.

9. How does a facility request an NA H&I meeting?

Hospitals, detox programs, shelters, or correctional institutions can contact the Central Lake Area H&I Subcommittee to request:

• A new panel

• An information session

• Additional literature

• Guidance on bringing NA into their facility

The subcommittee will arrange an orientation and determine readiness for a panel.

10. How can NA members get involved?

Members can participate by:

• Attending the monthly H&I Subcommittee meeting

• Joining a panel

• Serving as a speaker

• Assisting with literature needs

• Supporting administrative work

• Helping coordinate with facilities

H&I service is a powerful way to carry the message and grow spiritually.

11. What is expected of H&I volunteers?

Volunteers should:

• Show up on time

• Respect all facility rules

• Use only NA-approved literature

• Share experience, strength, and hope—not outside issues

• Avoid giving advice or opinions

• Practice NA’s spiritual principles

• Remember, they represent NA as a whole

Professionalism, humility, and consistency are essential.

12. Why is H&I important to NA?

Many members first heard the NA message while in a detox or institution. H&I:

• Reaches addicts who cannot get to meetings

• Keeps NA visible in the community

• Helps build bridges to treatment centres and correctional facilities

• Strengthens unity and purpose within NA

• Ensures that no addict seeking recovery goes without hearing our message