COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Commercedebuted its new multi-media public awareness campaign--includingtelevision and radio advertising, a Web site, and a telephonehotline--aimed at helping Ohioans prevent foreclosure.

Ohio's foreclosure rate is among the highest in the nation, andthe goal of this new initiative is to help as many Ohio citizens aspossible to stay in their homes. The campaign was unveiled at anews conference on Thursday, March 13. Lt. Governor Lee Fisher andDirector of Commerce Kimberly Zurz outlined the campaign andpreviewed a logo and radio ads to promote the effort. The Web siteaddress is http://www.savethedream.ohio.gov/

This campaign is the state's most recent initiative to supportthe number one recommendation from Governor Ted Strickland'sForeclosure Prevention Task Force: Develop a public awarenesscampaign and borrower outreach events. Credit union officials areinvolved in the cause and are represented on the task force.