CAMDEN — Elms of Camden Bed and Breakfast is the first lodging establishment to be awarded the Knox County Community Health Coalition Partnership Tobacco-Free Mini Grant for upgrading its tobacco-free policy to a model level.

“We value the health and well being of all our guests,” said co-owner Gary Born, in a KCCHC news release. “We take extra efforts, such as using fragrance-free laundry detergent to protect guests with allergies. Therefore, updating our 100% smoke- and vape-free policy to meet Model Level was a natural step for us. Expanding our use of tobacco-free signage on our property also markets our commitment to guest and community health.”

Elms of Camden is an authentic 1806 restored New England Colonial, one of the oldest homes in Camden.

“James Carmack and Gary Born purchased the Elms in July 2017 and provide an exemplary level of service, hospitality, and attention to detail,” said the release. “Their commitment to their guests is reflected in their adoption of a model smoke- and vape-free policy that exceeds State requirements.”

For information on how your business can upgrade your tobacco policy by working with the Knox County Community Health Coalition, a department of the Penobscot Bay YMCA, contact Becky Hayes Boober, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, at beckyhbooberkcchc@gmail.com or 207-236-6313, ext. 2.

Currently, KCCHC is offering mini grants to help organizations and workplaces in Knox County upgrade their tobacco-free policies.