About

The BRIDGING THE GAP program, or BTG, connects the new member being discharged from a alcoholism treatment program, detox, or institution facility to A.A. in their community. You are being asked to be that connection, what is called the Temporary Contact Program. As you know, one of the more “slippery” places in the journey to sobriety is between the door of the facility and the nearest A.A. group or meeting. Some of us can tell you that, even though we heard of A.A. in treatment, we were too fearful to go. A.A. experience suggests that attending meetings regularly is critical. In order to bridge the gap, A.A. members have volunteered to be temporary contacts and introduce newcomers to Alcoholics Anonymous. When a new, soon-to-be discharged member contacts us, we match that person to a Temporary Contact in the community where they will be living. If you have volunteered for this type of service, we will call you, get the okay and then send you their contact information. Your job is simple. You contact the new A.A. member and arrange to take them to an A.A. meeting, preferably within 24-48 hours of their discharge. Your commitment is taking them to as many as six meetings. During this time, you help them become acquainted, get phone numbers and perhaps locate a sponsor and a home group. You introduce them to others in A.A. so they have a broad, healthy base and network.

Tampa Bay’s Area Hospital & Institutions Committee, TBAIC, is updating the temporary contact list to create an accurate volunteer list by area. We have replaced the in the treatment programs, detox centers and institution facilities and hope to accomplish better awareness of the Bridge The Gap program for those in need of A.A.’s help.

If you or your A.A. Home Group would like to be of service, please contact BTG have your H&I rep email them to with any questions.