Peer Educators have talked to more than 900 Iowa State students this semester about hot topics such as substance abuse, said Dave Haden, program assistant in the Student Activities Center.

He said Peer Educators have put on about 30 presentations this semester, designed to be both fun and informative.

“We’ve spent a fair amount of time this semester redesigning the programs and putting some more information in them,” Haden said.

Since they have focused on improving the quality of their programs this semester, Haden said he thinks Peer Educators will be able to reach even more people next semester.

Programs range in content from drunk driving to sexual activity and can be designed to fit any group’s needs, Haden said.

“Dizzy Bats and Life Saving Stats,” a program on alcohol abuse and drunk driving, has already been presented five times this semester by Students Against Destructive Decisions Peer Educators, one of the three Peer Educator groups sponsored by the Student Activities Center, he said.

This program includes a drunk driving simulation and a Jeopardy-like game using alcohol statistics.

Other programs include “Cocktails and Condoms,” “Life After the Party” and “Fake ID’s = Real Trouble.”

The other two Peer Education groups are Substance Abuse Prevention Peers and Variations in Better Education for Students.

Peer Educators go through extensive training before giving presentations to student organizations, clubs, classes or living units, Haden said.

To schedule a Peer Education program, contact Dave Haden in the Student Activities Center at 294-1174.