Rapping Doctor Wins H1N1 Video Contest

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2009 AT 11:06 AM
Rapping Doctor Wins H1N1 Video Contest
Posted by Erin Edgerton
At an event earlier this week at George Mason University, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the winner of a video contest focused on flu prevention. The H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke beat out more than 200 other video entries to win $2500 in cash and a spot on national television.
Check out the winning video:


On July 9th of this year, Secretary Sebelius asked American citizens to help ongoing flu efforts by creating their own public service announcements. Tapping into the creativity of the American public, the video contest was aimed at finding innovative ways to inform people about the flu, promote good hygiene habits, and encourage Americans to take steps to stay healthy this flu season. "All Americans share the responsibility to be prepared and inform friends, family, and communities about flu prevention and good health," said Sebelius.
Videos were submitted from all over the country and by Americans of all ages and backgrounds. All of the video submissions were reviewed by video communication and public health experts, who narrowed the competition to 10 finalists. To select the winning video, the American public was again asked to participate and use the HHS YouTube channel to vote for their favorites. In early September, more than 50,000 votes were cast during the 18-day voting period. The winning video, The H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke, was submitted by Dr. John Clarke, who is the Medical Director for the Long Island Railroad, and videotaped at the Columbia University campus in Manhattan.