FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital was recognized for meeting the premier gold level in the 2017 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program for efforts to prohibit smoke and tobacco use on campus and address client tobacco use.

The Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy initiative held the annual Tobacco-Free Hospital Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awards ceremony Sept. 27.

Thirty-three hospitals from across the state and three gold star champions were recognized for their achievements in advancing smoke and tobacco-free campus policies as well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.

Award levels 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 supporting employee education related to tobacco treatment.