Calais Regional Hospital was recently presented with a Gold Award for its tobacco free campus policy and procedures. The award was presented by The Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network, in collaboration with the Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine. CRH was one of twelve hospital’s to receive the Gold Star Level Award. Six hospitals received Silver Awards and two hospitals received Bronze Awards.

Calais Regional Hospital’s tobacco free campus policy went into effect in July of 2009. The policy prohibits tobacco use on all Calais Regional property, including private vehicles for patients, visitors and staff.

All hospitals in Maine had the opportunity to apply for the Gold Star Standards of Excellence awards at the gold, silver, and bronze levels. Award levels are based on criteria such as tobacco-free campus policy, tobacco cessation being easily available to staff and patients, disallowing magazines with tobacco ads in waiting rooms, and divestment of all tobacco investments. Fourteen Maine hospitals were recognized at the event.

As leaders in health care, Maine hospitals seek to optimize the health of patients and the surrounding community. They provide key community support and are exemplary role models in health care excellence. Tobacco-free campus policies are examples of this commitment as they benefit patients, employees, and the entire community. The Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network, an initiative of the Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine, is pleased to recognize those hospitals that have worked hard to make their campuses 100% tobacco-free environments.