BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci joined the Maine Health Care Association recently to honor the accomplishments of 35 people living in the state’s long-term care facilities, including Dr. Charity Runden, 97, a resident of Stillwater Health Care Facility.
The association presented Certificates of Lifetime Achievement to Runden and others during a ceremony held in the Hall of Flags at the State House.
The ceremony was part of photography exhibit “Remember ME” and featured the black-and-white photographs and biographies of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities statewide.
Residents are decorated war heroes, mothers and fathers, and community leaders such as physicians, nurses, teachers, pilots and small-business owners. The primary purpose of the project is to salute those who have spent the best years of their lives supporting their families, building their communities and serving their state and country.
The project also urges the public to remember the selfless contributions of elderly and disabled residents who now depend on others for care and safety.
Runden was honored for her pioneering work as an advocate, educator and recognized expert in human sexuality and sex education in the 1960s. Runden also founded and served as executive director of the Educational Foundation for Human Sexuality at Montclair State College in New Jersey.
According to the association communications director Nadine Grosso, “Just because these residents are less visible in the community doesn’t mean that we should forget their important contributions to our state and country. After giving to others all of their lives, they now depend on us for their daily medical and social care and we take that responsibility very seriously. This photographic tribute and recognition ceremony is our way of remembering them and saying thank you.”
The Maine Health Care Association is a nonprofit trade association representing more than 250 providers of long-term care services to the state’s elderly and disabled residents.
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