LEWISTON — Sister Irene Platt, certified nurse assistant and medication technician at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston, recently received the 2009 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a recognition luncheon at the Samoset Resort.

Sponsored by the Maine Health Care Association, the Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award is given annually to long-term care workers statewide who have consistently exemplified a commendable level of caregiving, dedication and professionalism in caring for the state’s elderly and disabled citizens living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Platt was one of 10 caregivers statewide who received the honor this year.

The Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving program is designed to thank and honor Maine’s long-term care employees who spend their days and nights caring for others. To be considered for the award, nominees must meet certain criteria, including consistent quality of caregiving, attention to residents’ rights, leadership among peers, and ability to inspire others through example. Nominations for the award were submitted by long-term care facilities statewide and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with long-term care expertise.

MHCA is a nonprofit trade association representing 250 long-term care providers statewide, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.