H.R. 5353: Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act
This bill, known as the Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act, aims to establish a pilot program that will support mental health peer support activities tailored for students in secondary schools. Here are the main components of the bill:
Program Overview
The bill directs the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, to create a pilot program. This program would provide competitive awards to eligible entities, such as states or tribal organizations, which would implement evidence-based mental health peer support activities in secondary schools.
Eligibility for Awards
- Eligible entities include states, local governments, territories, Indian Tribes, and tribal organizations.
- These entities must submit an application detailing how they will evaluate the program’s success in improving student mental health outcomes.
Use of Funds
The awarded funds can be used to:
- Implement mental health peer support activities at secondary schools, which may involve training for students and adults on recognizing and responding to mental health issues.
- Ensure that all peer support activities are overseen by a qualified school-based mental health professional.
- Protect student education records related to the program in accordance with existing privacy laws.
Evaluation and Reporting
The Assistant Secretary is required to conduct an evaluation of the pilot program, examining:
- Participation rates in the peer support activities.
- Details of the training and activities carried out.
- The impact of these activities on students’ mental health.
- Effectiveness in connecting students to professional mental health services compared to other strategies.
A report on the evaluation results must be submitted to relevant Senate and House committees.
Technical Assistance
The Assistant Secretary and Secretary of Education will provide technical assistance to eligible entities, which includes sharing best practices for peer support programs.
Program Duration
The provisions of this pilot program will remain in effect until September 30, 2029.
Relevant Companies
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Sponsors
3 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Sep. 15, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Sep. 15, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
Corporate Lobbying
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Potentially Relevant Congressional Stock Trades
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