The Area 72 Treatment Facilities Committee has one purpose: To help A.A. members carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous into Treatment Facilities, and help “Bridge the Gap” between Facilities and A.A.  If you are sober and have a desire to serve, we need your help!

When anyone anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that… I AM RESPONSIBLE.

What We Do

Treatment facilities committees are formed to coordinate the work of individual A.A. members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics in treatment facilities, and to set up means of “bridging the gap” from the facility to an A.A. group in the individual’s community.

A treatment facilities committee may function within the structure of a general service committee on the area or district level or it may serve within the structure of a Central Office / Intergroup. Prior to forming these committees, this Twelfth Step work is sometimes handled by an individual group or member. As A.A. groups grow in number in a community, experience suggests that a committee works more effectively.

In some parts of the country, A.A.s interested in carrying the message into treatment and corrections facilities work together on Hospitals and Institutions committees independent of, but in cooperation with, general service and Intergroup committees. This structure also works well-especially in areas where lines of communication between the various service entities remain open.1

Why A.A. Members Carry the Message Into Treatment Facilities

Since it’s beginning in 1935, the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous has cooperated with treatment facilities. Bill W. himself was a product of a treatment facility-Towns Hospital in New York City. After he had finally put together several months of sobriety, Bill returned to Towns to try to work with other alcoholics. This was the beginning of A.A.s Twelfth Step work in hospitals. After he sobered up, Dr. Bob, a surgeon, realized the need for an alcoholism ward at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, where he worked. With the loving assistance and dedication of Sister Ignatia, Dr. Bob established a ward for alcoholics; together, they reached over 5,000 alcoholics.

The principle of carrying the A.A. message to other alcoholics was fundamental to the recovery and continued sobriety of A.A.s co-founders and early A.A. members. Today, through the practice of this principle-the Twelfth Step-A.A. has grown and the A.A. message has been carried around the world. A.A.s who carry the message into treatment facilities continue to follow the path for sobriety laid out by A.A.s co founders. These A.A.s help alcoholics in treatment recover through the A.A. program and find happy, useful, sober lives.2

Some Suggested Activities for Treatment Facilities Committees

  • Study Treatment Facilities Workbook and related materials.
  • Purchase Treatment Facilities Workbooks for all committee members.
  • Send a list of Treatment Facilities meetings to all D.C.M.s and to local Intergroup / Central Offices.
  • Invite Correctional Facilities, Cooperation With the Professional Community, and Public Information Committee liaisons to Treatment Facilities committee meetings.
  • Make presentations to three Treatment Facilities and offer follow-up presentations every four months to accommodate staff changes.
  • Set up Treatment Facilities literature displays in district meetings, area meetings, seminars, conventions, etc.
  • Create a local Treatment Facilities presentation based on the Treatment Facilities Workbook and local experience, i.e., for psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, youth non-correctional facilities, shelters, halfway houses.
  • Create a Temporary Contact (Bridging the Gap) program.
  • Contact three nursing homes to offer A.A. presentations or meetings.
  • Contact three psychiatric hospitals to offer A.A. presentations or meetings.
  • Fight apathy within the Fellowship, find a co-chair and interested people in order to achieve all the above.
  • Write to the General Service Office with additional suggestions for this list.

This list is intended as a committee starting point only. It is our experience that if a committee group conscience selects a single project and follows it through to completion, there is a great sense of unity and love and service shared by all committee members. For further experience, please review the Treatment Facilities Workbook, talk to experienced members in the area and remember that our first responsibility is to the traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.3

Temporary Contact Programs to “Bridge the Gap” Between Treatment and A.A.

Simply put, a temporary contact is an A.A. member who works with clients who are being discharged from treatment facilities and helps them bridge the gap to A.A. in the local community.

The pamphlet “Bridging the Gap” was developed to provide information to A.A. members about temporary contact programs. It contains general guidelines and suggestions for temporary contacts and includes important points to remember.

Bridging the Gap through temporary contact programs may be handled differently in various parts of the U.S. and Canada. In some places, this service may be under the auspices of the Area Treatment Facilities Committee or a Hospitals and Institutions Committee. Some areas have formed “Bridge the Gap” Committees while others have a Temporary Contact Service as a committee separate from Treatment Facilities or Hospitals and Institutions (H&I).

In many places, A.A. committees inform treatment facilities about the temporary contact service and are given opportunities to present information directly to clients. Then it is up to the client to let A.A. know if he or she wishes to have a temporary contact upon discharge. Some temporary contact services accept request for temporary contacts from either treatment professionals or clients.

At least one area has produced cards describing their contact service. The cards are distributed to treatment facilities and the professional staff gives the cards to clients who may then initiate contact.4

To get more information or to request a “Bridge the Gap” contact, send an email to: treatbridge@area72aa.org – either for more information, or if you need to request a “Bridge the Gap” contact.

A.A. Guidelines on Treatment Committees published by G.S.O.

Bridge the Gap Pamphlet

Bridge the Gap Patient Form

Salvando La Brecha_Formulario Para Pacientes

Contact Email: treatment@area72aa.org

1Reprinted from A.A. Guidelines, Treatment Facility Guidelines, MG-14 page 1, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

2Reprinted from Treatment Facility Workbook, page 3, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

3Reprinted from Treatment Facility Workbook, page 6, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

4Reprinted from Treatment Facility Workbook, page 15, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

District 01

Business Meeting Information 

Meets Every Thursday of month at 8:00 PM.
St. Luke’s Episcopal
99 Wells Ave S
RentonWA 98057 
 

Contact Information  

MCD – District 1
 
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District 02

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Tuesday of month at 6:30 PM.
Peace Lutheran
1717 Larson Rd
SilvanaWA 98287
 

Contact Information 

×
District 03

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
Monroe Covenant
202 S Sams St
MonroeWA 98272
Zoom ID:
92258011108 

Password: Service

Contact Information 

District 3
PO Box 157
MonroeWA 98272
 
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District 04

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Sunday of month at 5:00 PM.
PUD Bldg
1415 Freeway Dr
Mt. VernonWA 98273
 

Contact Information 

District 4
PO Box 608
Sedro WoolleyWA 98284
×
District 07

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 4th Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
Vancouver Area Intergroup Office
2203 Fairmount Ave
VancouverWA 98661
(360) 694-3870 
 

Contact Information 

District 7
PO Box 504
VancouverWA 98666-0504
×
District 08

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Sunday of month at 6:00 PM.
St. Mark’s Lutheran
2109 College St SE
LaceyWA 98503
 

Contact Information 

South Sound Service Ctr
344 Cleveland Ave SE
TumwaterWA 98501-3342
(360) 352-7344
×
District 09

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Tuesday of month at 6:30 PM.
Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
 

Contact Information 

Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
 
 
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District 10

Business Meeting Information 

Meets Last Sunday of month at 1:30 PM.
Location Rotates
Contact DCM for more information.
WA
 

Contact Information 

District 10
PO Box 1214
SilverdaleWA 98383
×
District 11

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 6:30 PM.
Currently on Zoom – for meeting info go to https:www.district11aa.org/events and look for District Committee Meeting
 

Contact Information 

District 11
PO Box 2268
BellinghamWA 98225
(360) 734-1688
 
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District 12

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
Baker Heights Comm Ctr
1401 Poplar St
EverettWA 98201
 

Contact Information 

District 12
PO Box 1387
EverettWA 98206-1387
×
District 14

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Fauntleroy UCC
9140 California Ave SW
SeattleWA 98136
 

Contact Information 

District 14
6523 California Avenue SW #292
SeattleWA 98136
Contact Us
 
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District 15

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Greater Seattle Intergroup Office
5507 6th Ave S
SeattleWA 98108
(206) 587-2838
 

Contact Information 

District 15
PO Box 20083
SeattleWA 98102-9799
×
District 16

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.
University Lutheran
1604 NE 50th St
SeattleWA 98105
 

Contact Information 

District 16
PO Box 27791
SeattleWA 98165-2791
 
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District 17

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
St. Luke’s Episcopal
5710 22nd Ave NW
SeattleWA 98107
 

Contact Information 

District 17
PO Box 19365
SeattleWA 98109-1365
×
District 18

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
Renton Methodist
2201 NE 4th St
RentonWA 98056
 

Contact Information  

×
District 19

Business Meeting Information 

Meets Last Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.
First Covenant
4502 Rucker Ave
EverettWA 98203
 

Contact Information 

District 19
PO Box 13023
EverettWA 98206-3023
×
District 22

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 6:30 PM
Veterans Center
216 S Francis St
Port AngelesWA 98362
 

Contact Information 

District 22
PO Box 1646
Port AngelesWA 98362
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District 24

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.
(6pm for 3rd Legacy)
Edmonds Masonic Lodge
515 Dayton Ave
Edmonds WA 98020
 

Contact Information  

 
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District 27

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Saturday of month at 2:00 PM.
Location Rotates. Contact DCM for more information.
 

Contact Information 

District 27
PO Box 1422
LongviewWA 98632
×
District 28

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Monday of month at 6:30 PM.
Jackson Prairie Assembly Of God
4224 Jackson Hwy
ChehalisWA 98532
 

Contact Information 

District 28
PO Box 593
ChehalisWA 98532
×
District 29

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 6:30 PM.
Puyallup Elks
314 27th St NE
PuyallupWA 98372
 

Contact Information 

District 29
PO Box 1439
PuyallupWA 98371
×
District 31

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Wednesday of month at 6:30 PM.
John Knox Church
109 SW Normandy Road
Normandy ParkWA 98168
 

Contact Information 

District 31
PO Box 48284
BurienWA 98148-0284
×
District 32

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Monday of month at 7:00 PM.
Brooklake Comm Ch
629 S 356th St
Federal WayWA 98003
 

Contact Information 

District 32
PO Box 4722
Federal WayWA 98063-4722
×
District 33

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 6:00 PM.
Maple Valley Presbyterian
22659 Sweeney Rd SE
Maple ValleyWA 98038 
 

Contact Information 

District 33
PO Box 11
Black DiamondWA 98010
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District 34

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Grace Lutheran Church
9625 NE 8th Street
BellevueWA 98004
 

Contact Information 

District 34
PO Box 50081
BellevueWA 98015
×
District 35

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Issaquah Valley Senior Ctr
75 NE Creek Way
IssaquahWA 98027
 

Contact Information 

District 35
PO Box 882
IssaquahWA 98027-0017
 
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District 36

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Fall City Methodist
4326 337th Pl SE
Fall CityWA 98024
 

Contact Information 

District 36
PO Box 1963
North BendWA 98045
email: dcm@snovalleyaa.org
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District 37

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 4th Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Vancouver Area Intergroup Office
2203 Fairmount Ave
VancouverWA 98661
(360) 694-3870
 

Contact Information 

District 37
PO Box 5566
VancouverWA 98686
 
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District 38

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Kirkland Congregational
106 5th Ave
KirklandWA 98033
 

Contact Information 

District 38
PO Box 322
KirklandWA 98083-3220
 
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District 39

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Tuesday of month at 7:00 PM.
 
First Lutheran Church
10207 10207 NE 183rd St.
Bothell, WA 98011

Contact Information 

District 39
PO Box 1695
BothellWA 98041-1695
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District 40

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM.
Plymouth Church
1217 6th Avenue
Rm 322
Seattle, WA 98101
 

Contact Information 

District 40
PO Box 12132
SeattleWA 98102
×
District 41

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.
Denny Park Lutheran
766 John St
SeattleWA 98109
 

Contact Information 

District 41
PO Box 99132
SeattleWA 98139-0132
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District 42

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
The Phoenix Club
15011 Aurora Ave N
ShorelineWA 98133
 

Contact Information 

District 42
PO Box 33222
SeattleWA 98133
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District 43

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 1st Wednesday of month at 6:00 PM.
Givens Activity Bldg
1025 Tacoma Ave
Port OrchardWA 98366
 

Contact Information 

District 43
PO Box 186
BurleyWA 98322-0186

District Hotline : 1-360-329-2841

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District 44

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 6:30 PM.
Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
 

Contact Information 

Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
×
District 45

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Thursday of month at 6:30 PM.
Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
 

Contact Information 

Pierce County Central Service Office
3640 S Cedar
TacomaWA 98409
(253) 474-8897
 
×
District 46

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Saturday of month at 9:30 AM.
Location Rotates
Contact DCM for more information.
 

Contact Information

District 46

PO Box 484
AnacortesWA 98221
×
District 54

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Thursday of month at 7:00 PM.
St. Aloysius Catholic
211 W Mason Ave
BuckleyWA 98321
 

Contact Information

×
District 55

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Sunday of month at 5:00 PM.
St. Luke’s Episcopal
525 N 5th Ave
SequimWA 98382
 

Contact Information

District 55
PO Box 1985
SequimWA 98382
 
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District 56

Business Meeting Information 

Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM.
Masonic Lodge
1338 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
 

Contact Information

District 56
PO Box 1066

Port Townsend, WA  98368

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District 57

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd & 4th Sunday of month at 8:00 AM.
Una Vision Para Ti
607 SE Everett Mall Way
EverettWA 98208
 

Contact Information

×
District 22

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.
Unity In The Olympics
2917 E Myrtle St
Port AngelesWA 98362

Contact Information 

District 22
PO Box 1646
Port AngelesWA 98362

 

×
District 21

Business Meeting Information 

Meets the 3rd Sunday @ 5:30 PM
Aberdeen Alano Club
823 W Heron St
AberdeenWA 98520
 

Contact Information 

Contact Us

×
District 28

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 2nd Monday of month at 6:30 PM.
Jackson Prairie Assembly Of God
4224 Jackson Hwy
ChehalisWA 98532
 

Contact Information 

District 28
PO Box 593
ChehalisWA 98532
×
District 32

Business Meeting Information 

Meets 3rd Monday of month at 7:00 PM.
Brooklake Comm Ch
629 S 356th St
Federal WayWA 98003
 

Contact Information 

District 32
PO Box 4722
Federal WayWA 98063-4722
×
District 25

Business Meeting Information 

TBD
 

Contact Information  

 
×