Prevention Matters

Dr. John Clarke of Baldwin, New York, rapped his way to victory in the Department of Health and Human Service's flu prevention PSA contest. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that Clarke's "H1N1 Rap" was named the winner after a tally of more than 50,000 v0tes from more than 200 entries from across the country.

Americans were called to create a 15, 30, or 60 second video promoting good hygienic practices and submit this video over YouTube. This video was to inform people about the flu and motivate them to take steps that help prevent the spread of the flu. The winner received $2500 in cash and will be featured on national television.

A panel of 12 video communication and public health experts determined the top 10 entries. These were put on the HHS YouTube Channel and put to a public vote. Over 50 thousand votes were cast in the 18 days that voting was open, and these votes determined the overall winner.