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The Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy initiative held an awards ceremony on Thursday, March 29, 2018 to celebrate the efforts of Maine colleges and universities that address smoking and tobacco use on their campuses. The event featured the announcement of the 2018 Maine Tobacco-Free College Gold Star Standards of Excellence recognition program award winners.

�Թϱ��� was among 11 Maine schools and two individual champions recognized for their achievements in advancing their campus smoke and tobacco-free policies as well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles for their communities.

�Թϱ��� was recognized for meeting the gold level in the 2018 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program for their efforts to prohibit smoke and tobacco use on campus.  All Maine colleges and universities were encouraged to apply for recognition; institutions that met at least six of ten Gold Star Standards were recognized with a plaque. Award levels are based on best practice criteria such as a smoke and tobacco-free campus policy; tobacco treatment information availability for students, faculty and staff; prohibiting tobacco product distribution on campus; and divestment of all tobacco investments. 

“Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Maine and the United States,” said Sarah Mayberry of the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence. “These schools are taking important steps to address this issue for students, employees and the community."

The awards ceremony provided an opportunity for schools to come together share to successes and challenges of their efforts to create smoke and tobacco-free campus environments and promote tobacco-free lifestyles.  While many acknowledged challenges faced when first adopting new campus policies and initiatives, all shared that addressing tobacco use on campus is an important health and environmental strategy for their campus.

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions