FORT KENT – Northern Maine Medical Center and all its affiliates will begin the first of two stages to become completely smoke- and tobacco-free in May, Martin Bernstein, CEO of NMMC, has announced.

Affiliates are The Guest House, Forest Hill Manor, Madawaska Outpatient Center, Acadia Family Care Center, Marquis House, Long Lake Regional Health Center, St. Francis Health Center, and Dr. Ayn Bayani’s office.

On May 6, patients, visitors, volunteers, and vendors will not be permitted to smoke or use tobacco products anywhere on or in hospital-owned property, including vehicles, with one exception: Smoking will be permitted in psychiatric units.

The second stage of the policy will become effective on Nov. 15, when the Great American Smoke-Out is held and employees may not smoke or use tobacco products on hospital property. For information, call Rachel Kinney at 834-3195, Ext. 3218, or CarolAnne Dube at 834-3195, Ext. 3355.