By Angela T. Koenig
Enquirer contributor

MOUNT HEALTHY - Hamilton County Sheriff's Department employees have joined in a vitamin study that could earn the Mount Healthy Alumni Association at least $5,000 in scholarship funds.

"It's strictly voluntary. We've got 120 people here on it, the sheriff among them," said department spokesman Steve Barnett.

The department volunteers came on board with more than 1,200 people who live or work in Mount Healthy - chosen for its name - who are participating in a study of Ester-C, a patented form of vitamin C produced by Zila Inc., an Arizona pharmaceuticals company. The company claims Ester-C remains in the system longer than other forms of vitamin C, reduces the severity and duration of colds and flu and improves health.

The company in January offered the Mount Healthy Alumni Association $5 for every volunteer who participated and completed a survey. Participants take two tablets twice a day for 50 days and then answer a questionnaire. The study's first round ends March 30. The volunteer effort was led by association Secretary Beverly Spellmeyer to raise scholarship funds.

Initially, Spellmeyer estimated there might be about 600 participants.

"I feel pretty comfortable that I'm probably going to have to give them more than $5,000 due to Mrs. Spellmeyer's efforts," Zila representative Phil Brown said.