PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital has once again been recognized for its excellence in creating a tobacco-free environment for patients, employees, and the community.
The County’s largest and most comprehensive provider of healthcare services earned a Gold Star Award during a Nov. 14 event at the Maine Hospital Association.
The 10th annual Tobacco-Free Hospital Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awards Celebration was hosted by the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy Initiative. The event, attended by hospital and public health stakeholders from across the state, recognized efforts by Maine Hospitals to address tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure.
AR Gould Hospital was one of 33 highlighted for their achievements in advancing their organization’s smoke and tobacco-free policies as well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.
“We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts,” said Dawn Roberts, community health specialist at the hospital. “Hospitals should be health and wellness role models in our community, so it’s important for us to set an example around reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Since a representative of the hospital was not able to attend the Augusta event, the award was recently presented to Roberts by Aroostook County District Tobacco Prevention Partners Jo-Ellen Kelley and Kara Barns.
Northern Light AR Gould Hospital has consistently earned Gold Star status in the program. The hospital has been tobacco-free for 18 years.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
