Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Ventura County Hospital and Institution Committee (a.k.a. VCAAHI) is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to those alcoholics in hospitals, jails, prisons, treatment centers and recovery homes.
The VCAAH&I Committee operates in accordance with the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous. Panel meetings are held at the invitation of respective hospital and institution administrations. Although we are not affiliated with these institutions, we strive to maintain the spirit of cooperation in our service.
What We Do
The Ventura County A.A. Hospital and Institution Committee organizes the membership each month to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous into correctional facilities, hospitals, and treatment facilities. It’s easy to become a member of H&I. We encourage you to come to the monthly H&I Committee Meeting, and attend our orientation workshop. There are many opportunities for service: panel leader, chairperson positions, as a panel participant and more. A minimum of (90) days of continuous sobriety is suggested for hospitals and treatment facilities. For correctional facilities, a year or more is required. Depending on the facility, a background check and/or clearance may be necessary. Come join Us!
I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that, I am responsible.
Responsibility Statement
The Man on the Bed
This full-colored painting first appeared as a center spread in the December 1955 issue of the AA newsletter, The Grapevine. It proved so popular that four-color prints were made available separately. The artist, Robert M., was a volunteer illustrator for The Grapevine, and in 1956 he presented the painting to AA co-founder Bill W.
In his thank you letter, Bill wrote: “Your representation the ‘The Man on the Bed’ hangs in my studio at Bedford Hills….The whole heart and essence of AA can be seen just by looking at it.”
Quoted from the AA Grapevine article, vol. 58, no. 1, Spring 2012