PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act

H.R. 438 would create a new grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs called the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program. The VA would give grants to eligible entities (nonprofits with a history of serving veterans’ mental health needs, congressionally chartered veteran service organizations, or state/local/tribal veteran service agencies) to establish veteran peer-to-peer mental health programs. Grants can be up to $250,000 per recipient, and the bill authorizes $25 million to fund the program over three years. Funds may be used to run peer-supported, nonclinical mental health activities, employing veteran peer specialists to facilitate meetings and provide around-the-clock support, and to hire program staff. An advisory committee would set program standards, including training for peer volunteers and best practices for addressing veterans’ needs. Importantly, the bill prohibits requiring grant recipients to maintain or report veterans’ personally identifying information to the VA. The purpose is to expand access to nonclinical, peer-based mental health support for veterans.