Washington County Community College among 7 Higher Education Organizations Celebrated for Leadership through Annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program

CALAIS, ME – Washington County Community College among 7 Higher Education 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-four 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.

Washington County Community College (WCCC) was recognized for meeting Gold Level Standards through the 2025 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program for efforts to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on campus and addressing client tobacco use. This was the second year Washington County Community College has participated in the initiative showing a longstanding commitment to addressing tobacco use and exposure.

Bernadette Farrar, Student Navigator and Coordinator of WCCC’s Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC), shares that in addition to ongoing availability of screening and referrals for tobacco use for any interested student or staff member, a survey was conducted at the college to see where efforts should be focused with education towards specific tobacco products. Students and staff also were presented with an opportunity to learn more about the hidden dangers of third-hand smoke which can remain for weeks, months, or years. According to the American Lung Association, thirdhand smoke occurs when tobacco smoke leaves residual nicotine and other chemicals (more than 250 different chemicals) on indoor surfaces, skin, fur, and furniture, even after it has been cleaned. This residue remains on surfaces and in dust, re-emits back into the gas phase, and reacts with other chemicals in the environment to make new chemicals. Children and pets are most at risk, but third-hand smoke is dangerous for everyone.

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