Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act
The Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working with the Secretary of Education, to run a pilot program that funds competitive grants to eligible entities (states, political subdivisions, territories, or Indian Tribes/Tribal organizations) to implement evidence-based peer-led mental health support activities in secondary schools. The program aims to improve early identification of mental health and substance use issues, provide training for students and relevant adults, and strengthen connections to professional services. Activities must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional and comply with FERPA protections for student records. The bill includes an evaluation plan to assess participation, trainings, mental health outcomes, and effectiveness in linking students to professional services, with a final report to Congress. The program would sunset on September 30, 2029.
Key Points
- 1Pilot program and competitive awards: The Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, may carry out a pilot program within an existing framework to fund peer-to-peer mental health activities for secondary school students.
- 2Eligibility and applications: Eligible entities include states, their subdivisions, territories, or Indian Tribes/tribal organizations, which must submit an application detailing how they will measure and evaluate program progress and outcomes.
- 3Use of funds and oversight: Funds may be used to implement or operate evidence-based peer support activities in one or more secondary schools, including training for students, adult supervisors, and other appropriate individuals; activities must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional.
- 4Privacy protections: Education records involved in the program must be protected under FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
- 5Evaluation and reporting: The Assistant Secretary must evaluate the program’s efficacy, including participation trends, trainings conducted, impact on student mental health outcomes, and effectiveness in connecting students to professional services; results must be reported to specified Senate and House committees.
- 6Technical assistance and best practices: The department will provide technical assistance to eligible entities and help disseminate best practices for peer support programs.
- 7Sunset provision: The program is temporary and will terminate on September 30, 2029.