The Breathe Easy Gold Star Standards of Excellence program recognizes Maine organizations committed to reducing commercial tobacco use and exposure.
Healthcare organizations, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, colleges and universities can earn recognition by implementing evidence-based practices that support tobacco-free environments and connect people with tobacco treatment. Through these efforts participating organizations help improve the health of patients, clients, staff, students, visitors, and the communities they serve.
Apply for 2026 Recognition
Organizations meeting at least 5 of the 10 Gold Star Standards are eligible for recognition. Past award participants are encouraged to reapply annually and demonstrate their continued commitment and progress.
Award Levels
Organizations are recognized based on the number of standards they meet:
- Platinum: All 10 Standards
- Gold: 8-9 Standards
- Silver: 6-7 Standards
- Bronze: 5 Standards
The 10 Gold Star Standards
The Gold Star Standards of Excellence help organizations adopt evidence-based practices that address commercial tobacco use, dependence and exposure.
- Tobacco-Free Policy. The organization has a written policy establishing a 100% tobacco-free campus. The policy prohibits smoking and use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. The policy applies to employees, providers, patients, clients, students, visitors, and/or contractors. It covers the organization’s property, including in parking lots, in all organization owned or leased vehicles, and at satellite offices or buildings.
- Policy Communication and Enforcement. The organization has written procedures explaining how its tobacco policy (whether 100% tobacco-free or not) is communicated and enforced. The procedures define employee expectations and identify staff members or departments responsible for policy enforcement.
- Tobacco Advertising. The organization prohibits tobacco product advertising and promotion on its campus and at satellite facilities. This includes advertising in publications and magazines provided in waiting areas and other shared spaces.
- Tobacco Dependence and Treatment Education. Information about tobacco dependence, secondhand smoke, thirdhand smoke, and local/state tobacco treatment resources are readily available for patients, clients, employees, students, and visitors. For example, educational brochures or posters are displayed in the lobby, waiting areas and/or treatment rooms.
- Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Training for Employees. The organization supports evidence-based tobacco treatment training for staff by offering in-services on tobacco treatment, providing financial support for staff to attend trainings, and/or providing access to literature and resources on-site for staff. Trained staff are available to provide tobacco treatment counseling to patients or clients.
- Screening for Patients & Clients for Tobacco Use and Dependence*. The organization screens all patients and clients for tobacco use at each visit and documents their tobacco-use status.
- Incorporating Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment into Patient and Client Care*. Individuals identified as being tobacco dependent are offered evidence-based tobacco treatment services as a component of their treatment plan. Treatment may include counseling, clinical assessment and management for nicotine withdrawal, and/or offering FDA-approved tobacco treatment medications.
- Referring Patients and Clients to Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment*. Patients and clients who use tobacco and are interested in quitting are referred to evidence-based treatment, such as Maine QuitLink for adults or My Life, My Quit for youth ages 13–17. Individuals identified as being tobacco dependent and interested in quitting are referred to evidence-based tobacco treatment, such as the Maine QuitLink or My Life, My Quit (teens).
- Tobacco Treatment Benefits for Employees. The organization’s employee health insurance includes tobacco treatment services as a covered benefit for employees and their dependents.
- Tobacco Funding and Donations. The organization has a written policy refusing donations from the tobacco industry and divesting from tobacco company stock.
*MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence recognizes that comprehensive tobacco treatment includes screening, referral, and treatment (i.e. counseling, clinical assessment and management for nicotine withdrawal and/or offering FDA-approved tobacco treatment medications). Standards 6-8 require that applicants identify the discrete components that are part of their practice/organization.
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Have questions? Contact BreatheEasy@MaineHealth.org and we’d be happy to assist you.