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The 91ֱ����Ƶ has received a platinum award from Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine for its continued efforts to reduce secondhand smoke in Maine’s communities. 

This year, 40 Maine health care, hospital, higher education, and behavioral health organizations were recognized by . The awards recognize Maine health organizations that are addressing tobacco use and exposure by implementing strategies that support tobacco treatment and prevention. 

At UNE, such strategies — including the University’s commitment to remaining a tobacco-free campus — are overseen by the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC). 

According to Breathe Easy Maine, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Maine and the United States. 

Institutions participating in the Gold Star Standards of Excellence program can mitigate the spread of disease by creating tobacco-free social norms through the adoption of strong policies, educating about the harmful effects of use and exposure, and providing support in quitting, helping to reduce the number of tobacco users in Maine, the organization  

CHCC Director Cheri Anderson, M.A., PS-C, emphasized the impact of this recognition. 

“Receiving the platinum award underscores UNE’s dedication to community health and wellness,” she said. “Cultivating tobacco-free campuses and community settings is crucial for fostering long-term health outcomes. By promoting smoke-free environments, we not only protect individuals from the harmful effects of tobacco but also cultivate healthier communities for generations to come.”

Housed within the 91ֱ����ƵCollege of Osteopathic Medicine, the CHCC is a comprehensive, community-based health coalition working to promote nutrition, substance abuse prevention, and lead poisoning prevention through a variety of state and federal grants. The program is in its 25th year supporting healthy Maine communities.