MaineGeneral Medical Center Recognized for Tobacco-Free Achievements
MaineGeneral Medical Center among 47 Health Organizations Celebrated for Leadership through Annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program
The annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program Awardees have been announced for 2025. The program of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy Initiative recognized forty-four hospitals, health care organizations, higher education organizations and behavioral health organizations and four individual Gold Star Champions 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.
MaineGeneral Medical Center was recognized for meeting Platinum Level through the 2025 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program for efforts to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on campus and addressing client tobacco use. This was the 11th year MaineGeneral Medical Center has participated in the initiative showing a longstanding commitment to addressing tobacco use and exposure.
“We’re proud of this recognition because we are committed to maintaining a tobacco-free environment and supporting tobacco-free lifestyles,” said Nathan Howell, president and CEO of MaineGeneral Health.
All Maine behavioral health organizations, hospitals, higher education organizations and health care organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition. Organizations are recognized at the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze 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.
“Maine’s hospitals, health care systems, colleges, and behavioral health organizations continue to be leaders in reducing tobacco use, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and addressing nicotine addiction,” said Sarah Rines, Director at the Center for Tobacco Independence. “By meeting the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, these organizations are actively supporting the health of their communities. The role of health care providers in offering advice and support is essential in helping individuals quit tobacco, and these awardees are leading the way.”
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. This initiative is supported through a grant from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.
