Harbor Area Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Committee Business Meeting – 10.21
Harbor Area Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Committee Business Meeting is every Third Wednesday @ 7pm (6:30pm for newcomers [Resurrection Lutheran Church at 1900 E. Carson St, Long Beach, CA]).
The Harbor Area Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Committee serves a vital role in carrying the message of recovery to individuals who are in facilities where they cannot freely attend outside Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meetings. Through the dedication of local volunteers, committee members, and panel coordinators, H&I meetings bring hope, personal experiences, and essential fellowship resources directly into hospitals, treatment centers, detox facilities, correctional institutions, and other residential care setups across the Harbor Area.
The Purpose of Hospitals & Institutions
The primary purpose of the Hospitals & Institutions Committee is simple and focused: to bring A.A. meetings and recovery literature to alcoholics who are confined in institutions. For many people in these facilities, an H&I meeting is their very first introduction to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. For others, it serves as a critical bridge connecting them back to community recovery after a period of treatment or incarceration.
H&I volunteers share their personal stories of trial, perseverance, and ongoing sobriety, showing residents and patients that recovery is achievable and accessible. Beyond personal testimony, H&I panels distribute conference-approved A.A. literature, meeting directories, and information on how to find local groups upon release or discharge. By establishing a direct link between institutionalized individuals and the broader recovery community, H&I helps ensure that no one seeking help has to navigate their initial transition back into society alone.
Monthly Business Meeting Details
To keep these panel commitments organized, supported, and properly staffed, the Harbor Area H&I Committee gathers each month for its official business meeting. All interested A.A. members, prospective volunteers, panel reps, and trusted servants are encouraged to attend.
Schedule:
• The H&I Business Meeting takes place every Third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.
• Newcomer Orientation: If you are new to H&I service or interested in learning how to get involved, a special orientation for newcomers begins prompt at 6:30 PM prior to the main business meeting.
• Location: Meetings are held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, located at 1900 E. Carson St, Long Beach, CA.
During the monthly meeting, the committee coordinates panel schedules, reviews facility requirements, manages literature distribution, and elects panel leaders for various institutions. It is an open, welcoming environment where members can learn about available service commitments, ask questions, and connect with experienced committee leaders.
How to Get Involved
Service in H&I is one of the most rewarding ways to give back and strengthen your own personal recovery journey. Whether you have decades of continuous sobriety or are relatively new in the program, there are several ways to participate:
1. Attend the Newcomer Orientation: Show up at 6:30 PM on the third Wednesday of any month to learn about clearance requirements, guidelines for taking meetings into facilities, and expectations for panel members.
2. Become a Panel Member: Join an existing panel team to share your experience, strength, and hope during scheduled institutional meetings.
3. Serve as a Panel Leader or Coordinator: Take responsibility for organizing a regular meeting commitment at a specific hospital or institution, ensuring that speakers are scheduled and literature is provided.
4. Represent Your Home Group: Act as an H&I Representative for your regular home group, carrying information back and forth between your group and the monthly H&I business meeting, including taking up local H&I container donations.
If you are looking to deepen your service work and help carry the message where it is needed most, join us this coming third Wednesday at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Long Beach. Your presence and participation make a direct difference in someone’s path toward recovery.
