FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital was recently notified that it is one of 16 hospitals statewide to receive the Gold Star award for the 2012 Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network Gold Star Standards of Excellence recognition program.

The Gold Star Standards of Excellence is a 10-step written policy that encourages the adoption of voluntary tobacco-free policies. Appropriate signage posted at key locations and services for employees and patients needing assistance for nicotine withdrawal symptoms are among the 10 requirements.

At a ceremony held at the Maine Hospital Association on March 21, 28 hospitals throughout the state of Maine were recognized for their achievements in advancing their campus tobacco policy and promoting tobacco-free living within their communities. Based upon the number of 10 best practice standards they have met, there were 16 recipients at the gold level, 10 at the silver level, and two at the bronze level.