CINCINNATI - Drake Center has received the 2009 Platinum Award for best community relations campaign from HealthLeaders Media for its 9/11 event honoring first responders.

On September 11, 2008 Drake held a community event to memorialize lives lost on 911, and to honor all first responders. More than 22 local agencies participated in the event to showcase their equipment and "learning stations" including: bomb squad, SWAT team, water rescue, mounted patrol, smoke house, Air Care, canine units, fire trucks and more. There was also a memorial march, ceremony, and free concert by the Ohio Military Band.

"Over the years, Drake has developed a special closeness to first responders since many of them are treated here after sustaining serious injuries on the job," says Karen Bankston, Chief Site Executive at Drake. "This campaign was our way of engaging the community to join us in honoring them.  The HealthLeaders Award affirms our efforts," she adds.

The winning campaigns were selected based on four criteria:  1) how well the organization defined its objectives and strategy 2) how well the campaign aligned with the goals and objectives 3) measurement and return on investment, and 4) creativity, message, and quality. Platinum, gold, silver, and distinction awards were given to small, medium, and large hospitals nationwide in each category for campaigns launched during 2008.

About Drake Center:  Drake is the leading provider of specialized medical and rehabilitative care in the region. It offers a complete range of inpatient and outpatient care, including long-term acute care, transitional skilled nursing, assisted living and various outpatient and wellness services. For more information, visit DrakeCenter.com or call 513-418-2500.

About HealthLeaders Media: HealthLeaders is a leading multimedia company dedicated to meeting the business information needs of more than 160,000 healthcare executives and key decision makers nationally.