MDI Hospital among 47 Health Organizations Celebrated for Leadership through Annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program
The annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program Awardees have been announced for 2025. The program of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy Initiative recognized forty-seven hospitals, healthcare organizations, higher education organizations and behavioral health organizations and four individual Gold Star Champions for efforts to address tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Celebrated organizations received a plaque for their achievements in advancing their campus smoke and tobacco-free policies as well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.
MDI Hospital was recognized for meeting the Platinum Level through the 2025 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program for efforts to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on campus and addressing client tobacco use, for their fifth year in a row.
“At MDI Hospital, we’re committed to creating a healthier environment for our patients, staff, and community,” said Mary Parham, Community Health Coach. “Achieving Platinum recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to supporting tobacco-free lifestyles and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. We’re proud to lead by example and help individuals take steps toward better health.”
All Maine behavioral health organizations, hospitals, higher education organizations and healthcare organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition. Organizations are recognized at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze 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.
“Maine’s hospitals, healthcare systems, colleges, and behavioral health organizations continue to be leaders in reducing tobacco use, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and addressing nicotine addiction,” said Sarah Rines, Director at the Center for Tobacco Independence. “By meeting the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, these organizations are actively supporting the health of their communities. The role of healthcare providers in offering advice and support is essential in helping individuals quit tobacco, and these awardees are leading the way.”
For more information about the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, please visit BreatheEasyMaine.org/GSSE.
The Breathe Easy Initiative at the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence is dedicated to providing Maine’s hospitals with the information and resources needed to make all organizations smoke and tobacco-free. Learn more at BreatheEasyMaine.org. This initiative is supported through a grant from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.