Bill > HR1448

This bill would establish a new grant program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support peer mental health first aid training in schools. The grants would help train teachers, school personnel, students, parents, and caregivers to recognize symptoms of mental health conditions in children and adolescents, refer students to appropriate mental health services, and apply mental health first aid tactics during moments of immediate mental distress. The bill specifically requires that at least 25% of grant funding be allocated to schools in rural areas, with a provision to reallocate unused funds if there are insufficient qualified applications. Eligible entities like elementary schools, local educational agencies, and state educational agencies can apply for the grants through a streamlined application process, and the Secretary will provide technical assistance to applicants. The bill authorizes $24,963,000 in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support these grants. The goal is to improve mental health awareness, recognition of mental health challenges, and early intervention strategies within school communities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1448/all-info