Supporting Change Through Policy Recognition

The MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence Breathe Easy Initiative conducts the Gold Star Standards of Excellence recognition program annually to encourage and support Maine's hospitals, higher education institutions and behavioral health organizations in addressing smoking and tobacco use by creating and maintaining best proactive tobacco policies and procedures.  The voluntary program is comprised of ten evidence-based, environment-specific standards for organizations to meet through written, sustainable policies and procedures.

Organizations across health care, behavioral health and education are committed to providing as healthy and safe of an environment as possible for their patients, students, faculty, clients, staff and visitors, the Gold Star Standards of Excellence program provides the opportunity for these organizations to be recognition for leading the way by supporting tobacco-free environments.

2018 Gold Star Standards of Excellence participation:

• Higher Education (March 2018): 11 organizations were recognized, all meeting the Gold level. In 2018, the higher education program expanded to include career and trade schools, along with colleges and universities.  One career and trade school, Treat Your Feet School of Reflexology, applied and received the Gold level distinction.
• Behavioral Health (June 2018): 8 behavioral health organizations were recognized, 3 meeting the Gold level and 5 meeting Silver. 
• Hospitals (September 2018): More than 80% of Maine hospitals participated in the 2018 GSSE program, with 32 out of 39 hospitals being recognized.  Of participating hospitals, 9 achieved the Platinum level with 23 hospitals meeting the Gold level.  2018 served as the inaugural year for the Platinum Level, this distinction provides an opportunity to recognize those who adopt comprehensive policies and procedures within the ten standards.  All MaineHealth hospitals received recognition through the 2018 program with 3 meeting Platinum and all others receiving Gold.