Franklin Memorial Hospital awarded Gold Star for addressing tobacco use

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Franklin Memorial Hospital representatives receiving the award included: Gerald Cayer, vice president; Heather Fellman, Healthy Community Coalition program associate; and Nicole Ditata, Healthy Maine Partnership director.
Franklin Memorial Hospital representatives receiving the award included: Gerald Cayer, vice president; Heather Fellman, Healthy Community Coalition program associate; and Nicole Ditata, Healthy Maine Partnership director.

FARMINGTON – At an awards ceremony on Sept. 15, the Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine celebrated the efforts of Maine hospitals in addressing smoking and tobacco use on their campuses. The event highlighted the 2016 Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program award winners including Franklin Memorial Hospital.

“Hospitals are health and wellness role models for their communities, so it is important for them to set an example around reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Sarah Mayberry of the Breathe Easy Coalition. “The Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Maine hospitals to create policies to address these issues.”

Franklin Memorial Hospital was one of 30 hospitals statewide to receive the highest Gold Star award level. FMH has achieved this level every year since the program’s inception, being cited as meeting all ten best practice standards around creating a tobacco-free environment and supporting tobacco-free lifestyles.

“Franklin Memorial Hospital is pleased to receive this recognition and set an example for other organizations in our community,” said Gerald Cayer, vice president. “Keeping our campus tobacco free not only impacts the health of employees, patients, and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, but also communicates the critical message that tobacco use is exceptionally hazardous to health.”

Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the country and a major contributor to health care costs. “Meeting these standards requires hard work and commitment from these health care organizations, and the Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine is pleased to be able to honor their dedication,” said Mayberry.

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