MYCHART SEARCH MENU MaineHealth News MaineHealth Local Hospitals Recognized for Tobacco-Free Achievements « Return to Search MaineHealth Local Hospitals Recognized for Tobacco-Free Achievements November 22, 2021 Contact: Sarah Rines MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence srines@mainehealth.org; 207-890-0660 PORTLAND, Maine — The annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Hospital and Healthcare Organization Program awardees have been announced for 2021, with all MaineHealth hospitals receiving recognition. The program of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy initiative recognized 32 hospitals, eight health care organizations and one individual Gold Star Champion for efforts to address tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Celebrated organizations received a plaque for their achievements in advancing their campus smoke- and tobacco-free policies as well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles. All Maine hospitals and healthcare organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition. This year marks the twelfth annual hospital Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program and the second year healthcare organizations were invited to apply for recognition. Organizations are recognized at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels, which are based on best practice criteria such as a smoke- and tobacco-free campus policy, annual screening for tobacco use, referral to tobacco treatment and support for employee education related to tobacco treatment. “We applaud the ongoing efforts of Maine hospitals and healthcare organizations to address tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and nicotine dependence by meeting the Gold Star Standards of Excellence,” said Kristen McAuley, Tobacco Prevention Services Director for the Center for Tobacco Independence. McAuley added, “Addressing tobacco use has continued importance during the current pandemic, as the US CDC states that being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.” For more information about the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, please visit BreatheEasyMaine.org/GSSE. ### The Breathe Easy Initiative at the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence is dedicated to providing Maine’s hospitals with the information and resources needed to make all organizations smoke and tobacco-free. Learn more at BreatheEasyMaine.org. The program is funded by Maine Prevention Services. Maine Prevention Services is an initiative through the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) working across the state to impact tobacco, substance use and obesity. 2021 MaineHealth Hospital Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awardees: Platinum Level: Franklin Memorial Hospital LincolnHealth Maine Medical Center Mid Coast Hospital Pen Bay Medical Center Southern Maine Healthcare Spring Harbor Hospital Waldo County General Hospital Gold Level: Stephens Memorial Hospital News from Around MaineHealth About MaineHealth Care and Services Careers Education & Research Healthcare Professionals Healthy Communities MaineHealth Innovation Notice of Nondiscrimination Patients & Visitors Privacy Notice Site Map Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America. Connect with us: © 2021 MaineHealth. All Rights Reserved.