More than 17,000 children in the Highline School District will be given free hand sanitizer encouraging them to "Rub Out Germs" as part of a major public health education initiative launched by Highline Medical Center in Burien to reduce the spread of germs.

Through an innovative program between the school district and the medical center, each child will receive a bottle of hand sanitizer on a clip that can be attached to a backpack along with a kid-friendly information card to take home.

In addition, the medical center has launched a community awareness campaign that includes billboards, television public service announcements and posters.

Highline has also developed an educational Web site at RubOutGerms.com that provides information on how to protect against the spread of germs, as well as a variety of facts about the flu.

"Our goal is to help people stay healthy," said Mara Burke, medical center community relations director. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most important things we all can do to keep from getting sick is to practice good hand hygiene."

The initiative focuses on three simple actions people can take. First, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds (long enough to sing the birthday song twice). Second, when you can't wash, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and rub until dry. Finally, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hand.

"If we can increase the awareness about the importance of keeping your hands clean," said Burke, "we just may be able to reduce the spread of germs in our community."

As part of its outreach effort, Highline is offering free "Rub Out Germs" posters and/or oversized informational postcards to organizations and local businesses.

If you'd like a poster, please email Highline Medical Center Community Relations Department at commrelations@highlinemedical.org.