Bill > HR5353

This bill establishes a pilot program administered by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for secondary school students. The program will provide competitive grants to eligible entities, including states, territories, and tribal organizations, to implement peer support mental health initiatives in schools. These activities may include training students, adult supervisors, and other individuals to improve early identification of mental health challenges, develop response strategies, reduce risks, and promote student resilience. All peer support activities must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional, and student education records will be protected under existing privacy laws. The Assistant Secretary will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the program, measuring participation rates, specific trainings, impact on student mental health outcomes, and effectiveness in connecting students to professional mental health services. The evaluation results will be reported to congressional committees, and technical assistance will be provided to grant recipients to help identify and disseminate best practices. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2029, offering a structured approach to addressing student mental health through peer-based support strategies.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5353/all-info