COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Commerce debuted its new multi-media public awareness campaign--including television and radio advertising, a Web site, and a telephone hotline--aimed at helping Ohioans prevent foreclosure.

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

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