NORWAY — The annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program Awardees have been announced for 2023. The program of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s ‘Breathe Easy’ Initiative recognized twenty-eight hospitals, healthcare organizations, behavioral health 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.

Stephens Memorial Hospital was recognized for meeting platinum level through the 2023 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program for efforts to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on campus and addressing client tobacco use.

Tim Ingram, Senior Director of Ancillary Services, states, “Congratulations to Kristin Linindoll, Mark Cushman, and Shirley McKeen on this awesome achievement – this is our first year at the Platinum level. This award speaks to the hard work that Kristin puts into applying for the award, maintaining our policies and compliance with the GSSE program, as well as seeing patients twice a week. I also want to recognize Mark and Shirley, who also see our patients at the bedside for Tobacco screening and counseling. Thank you all for your efforts!”

All Maine behavioral health organizations, hospitals, and healthcare organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition. Organizations are recognized at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels 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.

“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,” says Sarah Rines, Senior Program Manager for the Center for Tobacco Independence. She continued, “Advice and assistance from healthcare providers are powerful tools to help individuals to quit tobacco products, these awardees are taking key steps to support their patients, clients, and communities.”

For more information about the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, please visit BreatheEasyMaine.org/GSSE.