Alcoholics Anonymous marking milestones in Akron

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Alcoholics Anonymous is marking two milestones during its three-day Founders Day gathering through Sunday in A.A.’s hometown of Akron.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first hospital specialty unit to treat alcoholics. The unit was started by St. Thomas Hospital in Akron by Sister Mary Ignatia and A.A. co-founder Dr. Robert Smith.

This also is the 70th anniversary of the A.A. publication known as the “Big Book,” which has sold nearly 30 million copies since 1939.

A.A. was founded in Akron on June 10, 1935, by Smith and New York stockbroker Bill Wilson.