Nurse Christina Tripp of Ross Manor in Bangor, nurse Judy Varnum of Brewer Rehab and Living Center, and nurse’s aide Brian White of Stillwater Health Care in Bangor received the 2008 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a luncheon in Rockport.

Sponsored by the Maine Health Care Association, the awards are given to long-term care workers statewide who consistently exemplify a commendable level of care-giving, dedication and professionalism in caring for the state’s elderly and disabled citizens in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Tripp, Varnum and White were three of 14 caregivers statewide to be honored.

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 a consistent quality of caregiving, attention to residents’ rights, leadership among peers and ability to inspire others through example. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with long-term care expertise.

Association President and CEO Richard Erb said, “Maine’s direct care and support staff provide compassionate quality care and in many cases fill a family role for long-term care residents and consumers each and every day. This luncheon and awards program are a tribute to their dedication and our way of saying thank you.”

The association represents 250 long-term care providers statewide.