A.A.'s Country-wide News Circuit

"Consider Perry Point" is the conclusion of the Baltimore, Md., Central Group after experiences at the U. S. Veterans' Hospital for the mentally ill about 40 miles from Baltimore. Although Baltimore A.A.s do not believe that they are alone in sponsoring this sort of program, they hope that others will be interested in the results of their work with patients and personnel. They estimate that about a third of the patients at Perry Point and in other veterans' hospitals are alcoholic. Two A.A.s who joined the Baltimore Group after being released from Perry Point decided to visit friends made while they were patients. These became bi-monthly visits and arrangements were made to hold regular meetings. At first some members of the staff were uncertain as to reaction of the patients but after a few sessions they not only sanctioned the meetings but urgently requested that they be continued, and one enthusiastic doctor considers the meetings part of patients' treatment although they are not required to attend. Meeting attendance has grown from about ten a year ago to around 50 and is continuing to expand. Many who have been discharged from the hospital have joined A.A.groups in their respective localities. Baltimore A.A.s have found that four speakers each limited to 12 minutes, with a few remarks by the physician in charge, makes up a good hour's program. They also believe the spiritual angle should be brought into the meetings, but should be handled cautiously at first as most of the patients are transients and their reactions should be studied carefully. Women speakers have proved useful in showing that drinking is not a male problem alone.