1. R.R.A.G.S. Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What is “H&I”?
Why do we need guidelines for H&I work?
What is the format for an H&I meeting/presentation?
What is the RRAGS service structure for H&I?
What are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for H&I work?
How do I get involved with giving back through H&I?
Questions? 1

2. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What is “H&I”? - (“Hospitals and Institutions”)
“The purpose of an H&I meeting/presentation is to carry the NA message of recovery to addicts who may not have access to regular NA meetings”
“H&I meetings/presentations are intended to simply introduce those attending to some of the basics of the NA program”
“Rather than being an NA group, an H&I meeting is always held under the direction of an H&I Subcommittee”
“ALL H&I meetings are closed to outside participation. NA members from outside should attend the H&I meeting only when invited by the Panel Coordinator…”
All text above – quotes are directly from NA World Services Hospitals and Institutions Handbook 2

3. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
Why do we need guidelines for H&I work?
“…when you attend an H&I meeting/presentation… you are PERCIEVED as a representative of Narcotics Anonymous. The fellowship as a whole may be judged by how you conduct yourself…”
“Some of the most important points to remember are:
1. Show up on time (15 minutes early)
2. Be neat (Respect the dress code of the facility…)
3. Be courteous to staff. Watch your language (cursing)
4.Share only in NA language
5. Start and end on time”
All text above – quotes are directly from NA World Services Hospitals and Institutions Handbook 3

4. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
Why do we need guidelines for H&I work? (continued)
“…we have no opinions on treatment methods or ANY issues other than recovery from addiction through the application of the program of Narcotics Anonymous”
“It is important that NA and our H&I efforts remain clearly separate from any facility in which we provide services. Efforts must be made to ensure that this is understood by the facility, the residents and the H&I members.”
“We need to be consistent with our Traditions while providing H&I service. If a member who is doing H&I work does not clearly understand that” NA has no opinion on outside issues”, this “must be directly addressed with that member”
All text above – quotes are directly from NA World Services Hospitals and Institutions Handbook 4

5. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What is the format for an H&I meeting/presentation?
The RRAGS H&I Subcommittee currently supports (2) types:
1. “Panel Presentation” – examples: Rosecrance Detox, In-Patient, etc
A minimum of (2) NA members present information to residents about NA, based on their own personal experience, NA literature, etc.
2. “H&I Meeting” – examples: Salvation Army, Winnebago County Jail
A minimum of (2) NA members facilitate an NA meeting, ideally with a topic and sharing including the residents. Again, H&I members speak based on their own personal experience, NA literature, etc. 5

6. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What is the format for an H&I meeting/presentation? (continued)
H& I Presentation/Meeting Format:
Introduce self and welcome everyone to the NA presentation/meeting
Open with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer (for those who wish)
Briefly explain that this is a H&I presentation/meeting to let clients know what NA is and that we are not authorities of NA, we are recovering addicts carrying the message of recovery
Panel members or clients – Read the readings (“Who…” “What…” “Why…” “How…” “12 Traditions” (optional)
Panel members start presentation/meeting with a topic related to NA recovery
Sharing (Panel members and clients)
Question and answer session (optional)
Read “Just for Today”
Close with “we” version of the Serenity Prayer (for those who wish) and group hug
All text above – quoted directly from RRAGS Policy Guidelines 6

7. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What is the RRAGS service structure for H&I?
“Panel Member” – Requirements:
- NA member, clean time varies by facility (90 days minimum)
- Has observed (“sat in on”) three H&I meetings/presentations
- Responsible to follow H&I Subcommittee and facility guidelines
- Responsible to show up for your scheduled commitments
“Panel Co-coordinator” – Requirements:
- NA member, (1) year clean time, panel member at facility
- Responsible to arrange and schedule Panel Members for presentations
- Liaison between facility and H&I Subcommittee
- Responsible to report to H&I Subcommittee on activities
“H&I Subcommittee Chair” – Requirements include:
- NA member, (2) years clean time, elected by Area Service Committee, (1) year term
- Prepare agenda and preside over H&I Subcommittee and report to the ASC on H&I activities
“H&I Subcommittee Vice-Chair” – Requirements:
- NA member, (1) year clean time, elected by H&I Subcommittee, (1) year term
- Assist Chair, and learn duties as preparation for the Chair position
“H&I Subcommittee Secretary” – Requirements:
- NA member, (6) months clean time, elected by H&I Subcommittee, (1) year term
- Take minutes and keep records for H&I Subcommittee
All text above – quoted directly from RRAGS Policy Guidelines 7

8. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for H&I work?
“Do’s” include:
- Share your experience, strength and hope” only – (No advice !)
- Try to keep your sharing on a positive note – (No “war stories” !)
- Make it clear that NA is separate and distinct from the facility and other fellowships
- Know and follow the H&I Subcommittee and facility guidelines
- If unable to keep your commitment, try to find another approved Panel Member to take your place and notify the Panel Coordinator and the facility
All text above – quotes are directly from NA World Services Hospitals and Institutions Handbook;
* Italics are paraphrased from the Handbook 8

9. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
What are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for H&I work?
“Don'ts” include:
- Glorify the past or put too much focus on what is was like – They already know!
- Express opinions (positive or negative) regarding the facility, or any other fellowship. Remember, we have no opinion on outside issues.
- Take messages, packages, etc. into or out of the facility
- Talk down to
- If unable to keep your commitment, try to find another approved Panel Member to take your place and notify the Panel Coordinator and the facility.
All text above – quotes are directly from NA World Services Hospitals and Institutions Handbook;
* Italics are paraphrased from the Handbook 9

10. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
How do I get involved with giving back through H&I?
Insert text / chart– “how to get involved” file 10

11. RRAGS Hospitals and Institutions Workshop
Questions?
Thank you! 11