In addition to presenting Genetic Update Conferences, Sam also presents school assembly programs. These programs are generally presented to high school and middle school students and last approximately ninety minutes, although each program is customized for the audience and schedule.

The two most requested convocations are described below; however, Sam also presents programs on other related subjects as requested.

Most Important Nine Months of Your Life

This program deals with the causes and prevention of birth defects and mental retardation. It focuses on drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse and the risks involved with becoming teenaged parents. The leading known cause of mental retardation in the U.S. today is alcohol abuse by the mother during pregnancy. The leading cause of all birth defects is “low birth weight babies” and teenage pregnancy is the leading cause of low birth weight!

Say KNOW to AIDS

One in four new cases of HIV/AIDS in the U. S. is a teenager! Statistics tell us that, in the average high school, 1 in 200 students is infected with the HIV virus. Eighty per cent of Americans who are HIV positive do not know they are infected! This program teaches the basic facts about HIV and AIDS (and other STD's) and focuses on practical ways each student can use these facts so he/she does not become a statistic.