HHS to Amateur Video Directors: Have Fun With the Flu

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

It's been called an epidemic, but that doesn't mean the swine flu can't be funny. At least in the way directors of short videos might approach it. That's the message today from the Department of Health and Human Services as it seeks public videos on the flu that will encourage Americans to watch out for it in the upcoming flu season.

As part of its summit today on the swine flu, H1N1, HHS announced the contest, seeking public service announcements up to one minute long. Says the White House: "The videos can be funny, cute, dramatic, but most of all, they should help make a positive impact." The winner will get $2,500 in cash and appear on TV, though there was no mention of a free flu shot. Check out Secretary Kathleen Sebelius's video request to the public: