Peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and programs to train high school students as peer mentors grants awarded by the commissioner of health authorization

This bill authorizes the commissioner of health in Minnesota to award grants for peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and training programs for high school students. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, alternative schools, and nonprofit organizations by providing funding to implement evidence-based initiatives. The grants would support programs where students in grades 9 through 12 serve as peer mentors under adult supervision, helping identify warning signs of mental health crises and referring peers to trusted adults. The legislation also requires training programs to teach students about recognizing suicide risk, active listening skills, and how to connect peers with supportive adults.