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Mid Coast–Parkview Health Recognized for Excellence in Addressing Tobacco

November 20, 2015

Mid Coast–Parkview Health was recognized at the gold level in this year’s Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network Gold Star Standards of Excellence Recognition Program. At the awards ceremony held last week in Augusta, Mid Coast Hospitals Tobacco Educator Stacey Schmidt, RRT, received a gold level recognition plaque on behalf of the health system.

Each year, the Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network recognizes hospitals at the bronze, silver, and gold levels based upon how many of the 10 best practice Gold Star Standards they meet. This year, they recognized 33 Maine healthcare organizations for meeting best practice standards around creating a tobacco‑free environment and supporting tobacco‑free lifestyles.

"Prevention and wellness are cornerstones of the Mid Coast–Parkview Health vision for the health of this community,” said Steve Trockman, MPH, Mid Coast–Parkview Health Director of Community Relations and Outreach. "Our tobacco-free policy, combined with our tobacco education program, help to ensure that employees, patients, and visitors are as healthy as possible.”

In 2001, Mid Coast Hospital became one of the first hospitals in Maine to ban smoking. In 2009, the hospital expanded its policy to become 100% tobacco-free on every campus throughout the entire health system. Mid Coast–Parkview Health’s tobacco policy states that no tobacco use of any kind (including chewing tobacco and electronic cigarettes) will be allowed in buildings, surrounding areas, parking lots, or personal vehicles.

As part of its commitment to the health of the community, Mid Coast Hospital provides a comprehensive tobacco education program that includes inpatient and outpatient tobacco cessation counseling, as well as community presentations and support for local businesses and organizations

More information about Mid Coast Hospital Community Health & Wellness is available at www.midcoasthealthcom/wellness<http://www.midcoasthealthcom/wellness>.