A New High From H&I
Hospitals and Institutions, or H&I, is a service committee of Cocaine Anonymous whose primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to addicts in hospitals, treatment centers, correctional facilities, detox units, shelters, halfway houses, and other institutions. Many people in these settings may not be able to attend regular C.A. meetings, so H&I brings meetings, speakers, literature, and hope directly to them.
The committee meets on the Last Monday of each month at 8:15 pm on Zoom, and everyone is welcome. Our goal is simple: to let the still-suffering addict know they are not alone, recovery is possible, and C.A. is available when they are ready.
H&I meetings are different from regular C.A. meetings. They are often restricted to patients, residents, or inmates and through H&I service commitments,C.A. members co-chair and share their experience, strength, and hope with those who may be new to recovery or unsure where to begin while remaining guided by C.A. ‘s Twelve Traditions, including cooperation without affiliation.
New York’s Area H&I Meetings
Please note these meetings are not usually open to the public but if you are interested in qualifying at, or co-chairing, any of these meetings, or if you would like to invite C.A. to bring a meeting – please email canewyorkhospitalsinstitutions@gmail.com
Manhattan
Ascendant Detox Drug & Alcohol Rehab NYC
Saturdays at 7:30 pm
113 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
BRC Men’s Shelter
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
131 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Mt. Sinai West
Sundays at 10:00 am
1000 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Queens
The Phoenix House
Thursdays & Tuesdays at 8:00 pm
34-25 Vernon Blvd, Astoria, NY 11106
Staten Island
The Richmond Center for Recovery & Wellness
Sundays at 10:30 am
530 Sharrotts Rd, Staten Island, NY 10309
FAQ
What does being a co-chair entail? Very simple – show up and bring a speaker. That’s all. H&I meeting does not have a secretary break and is not required for a 7th tradition collection There are no elections, business meetings or votes and is the best way to practice the 12th steps.
How often and how long is the commitment? You will co-chair the meeting just once a month and we recommend a six-month commitment (just six meetings) or a minimum of three months (just three meetings). Yet, many of our co-chairs opt to stay longer, since there is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than giving back what was freely given to us. All we need from you when you want to stop is a one-month heads-up so we can find a new volunteer.
Where can I chair a meeting? Depending on your availability, you can chair a meeting at any of our current meeting locations, whether you prefer one closer to your home, office, or on your way, the timing, and whether you have a car or not. Or, if you know of a hospital or an institution that needs a meeting, we can help you start one and find more co-chairs. We also have a waiting list of places that would like to bring a meeting – it is a location that works for you.
What happens if I can not make the meeting? Co-chairs can always help one another, swap, find speakers, change/swap dates, and more. You can also ask another fellow to cover your commitment as long as they have six months of sobriety, bring a speaker, or qualify themselves and inform your co-chairs of this change.
What kind of service can I do at the committee level? We have many roles that require very little time, and the committee meets once a month on the Last Monday of each month at 8:15 pm via Zoom. Please feel free to join us here and/or email us at canewyorkhospitalsinstitutions@gmail.com for more details.