HCA teamed up with popular teen actor and recording artist Mitchel Musso, best known for his role as "Oliver" in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, to create a public service announcement educating kids and their parents on the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of MRSA in schools.

"I am happy to be a part of this important campaign to prevent the spread of MRSA and help raise awareness among my fans and kids of all ages to stay healthy," said Musso.

"Hopefully they will see me in this PSA and get the message that clean hands are cool and most importantly are less likely to spread germs."

Because of its resistance to antibiotics, MRSA accounts for 19,000 deaths in the United States each year, 86% of which are healthcare-associated and 14% which are community acquired.

"We chose to partner with Mitchel due to his popularity and appeal to our target audience- young kids, tweens, teens and even parents," Joanne Pulles, Executive Director for the HCA Foundation.

"MRSA is becoming an increasing concern and cause for absence in schools, and we think Mitchel's participation in this campaign will help deliver the message that hand washing is the single most effective and simplest way to prevent its spread."

The PSA aimed at kids in grades K-4, is set to debut later this month on television stations across the United States.

Dr. Perlin and Mitchel Musso will also be promoting the campaign through broadcast media tours, TV appearances, and kick-off events in cities throughout the country, including Las Vegas, Nashville and Tampa.

Images from the PSA will be featured on The Reuters Sign in Times Square and information on the campaign will be available online starting August 15 at www.cleanhandsarecoolhands.com.

The site provides a fun, interactive place for kids and parents to learn about MRSA and how to prevent its spread, digital downloads of pictures and videos, as well as a streaming file of the PSA.

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