LEWISTON – Over the past year United Ambulance Service has been working on a commitment to improving cardiovascular health and awareness in local communities. Examples include community and healthcare provider CPR instruction, blood pressure clinics and community education initiatives.

As a result, United has recently been awarded Maine HeartSafe Communities recognition. The recognition is awarded by the Maine EMS, Maine Cardiovascular Health Program and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

United has been recognized at the “Platinum” level, which is the highest level that an emergency medical service can obtain. The designation also applies to community partners: the cities and towns of Auburn, Greene, Lewiston, Mechanic Falls, Minot, New Gloucester and Sabattus.

Over the past few weeks United has been presenting HeartSafe Community certificates and road signs to those communities.

United officials said the designation signifies the organization’s commitment to ensuring access to the highest quality pre-hospital care relating to cardiovascular health. The designation would not have been possible without the commitment and continual support of the cities and towns for which United provides transport services.

Examples include public safety access and training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators and in the delivery of CPR to victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Agencies include the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Fire Department, Auburn Police Department, Greene Fire and Rescue, Lewiston Fire Department, Lewiston Police Department, Mechanic Falls Fire Department, Mechanic Falls Police Department, Minot Fire and Rescue, New Gloucester Fire Department, Sabattus Fire Department and the Sabattus Police Department. Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center are also participants in the recognition.

For more information about United Ambulance Service, visit www.unitedambulance.com. For additional information regarding the HeartSafe Community program, visit www.healthymainepartnerships.org.