Contact:
Sarah Rines
207-890-0660 / [email protected]
PORTLAND, MAINE 鈥� The AOA体育平台 Center for Tobacco Independence initiative has recognized all 12 AOA体育平台 hospitals and affiliates for their efforts to address tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. The 2020 program celebrates achievements in advancing campus smoke- and tobacco-free policies and promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.
All Maine hospitals and health care organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition, with the opportunity to be recognized at the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. 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. In 2020, all participating AOA体育平台 hospitals were at the Gold or Platinum levels.
鈥淲e 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,鈥� said Kristen McAuley, Tobacco Prevention Services Director for the Center for Tobacco Independence. She continued, 鈥淎ddressing tobacco use has continued importance during the current pandemic, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.鈥�
In additional to organizational awards, applying hospitals were invited to nominate an individual or department that had championed tobacco-free efforts at their organization for recognition. Two of the five individual Gold Star Champions for 2020 were Casey J. Ellis and Leanne Temple of Waldo County General Hospital.
The Breathe Easy initiative at the AOA体育平台 Center for Tobacco Independence is dedicated to providing Maine hospitals with the information and resources needed to make their organization smoke and tobacco-free. The program is funded by Maine Prevention Services. Maine Prevention Services is an initiative through the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention working across the state to impact tobacco, substance use, and obesity.
2020 Hospital Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awardees:
Platinum Level:
Franklin Memorial Hospital
LincolnHealth
Maine Medical Center
Pen Bay Medical Center
Southern Maine Health Care
Spring Harbor Hospital
Waldo County General Hospital
Gold Level:
Stephens Memorial Hospital
Individual Gold Star Champions:
Casey J. Ellis, Waldo County General Hospital
Leanne Temple, Waldo County General Hospital
About AOA体育平台
AOA体育平台 is a not-for-profit family of high-quality providers and health care organizations committed to the health and well-being of the communities and people we serve. As the largest health care organization in Maine and a leading health care provider serving northern New Hampshire, AOA体育平台 is recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 top integrated health care delivery networks. Learn more about AOA体育平台.