Bill > HR438

This bill establishes the "PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program," which authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants up to $250,000 to eligible entities like nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, and state or local veteran agencies to create peer-to-peer mental health support programs for veterans. The program requires grantees to hire veteran peer specialists to host group and individual meetings, provide 24/7 mental health support, and hire supporting staff. An advisory committee will develop program standards, including training requirements and best practices for supporting veterans. Notably, the program emphasizes confidentiality by prohibiting the collection or reporting of personally identifying information about veterans seeking support. The bill allocates $25 million in funding over a three-year period to implement these peer support programs, named after Private First Class Joseph P. Dwyer, likely a veteran whose story inspired this mental health support initiative.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/438/all-info