Colorado State University

Since the early 2000s, the Colorado State University (CSU) Health Network has sponsored a peer education program called Creating Respect Educating Wellness for and by Students (CREWS). CREWS overall mission is to increase positive health behaviors and perceptions and to support harm reduction among the CSU student body. This volunteer, trained peer education team supports other CSU students in making safer, healthier choices and decisions about alcohol use, sexual health, cannabis, and nicotine through interactive, hands-on initiatives. CREWS Peer Educators engage student football game attendees at home games in conversations and pledging shown to foster bystander behavior and harm reduction. Intentional, brief motivational interviewing-based conversations and facilitated written pledges happen at the major game day entry point. The team is trained in intervention best practices, motivational interviewing, and DEIJ principles during their onboarding.