Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act

HR 9684, the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, creates a federal grant program to fund evidence-based mental health support programs in secondary schools, where trained student peers provide support to fellow students. Eligible entities - including school districts, tribal organizations, and the Bureau of Indian Education - can apply for grants (max $250,000 per award) to implement or expand these programs. Key requirements include mandatory training for student peer support specialists on topics like recognizing mental health warning signs, empathic listening, and connecting students to professional services, alongside oversight by certified supervisors and school mental health providers. The bill authorizes $20 million annually (2025-2029) for this initiative, prioritizing schools in high-suicide-risk areas or without existing programs, and mandates an evaluation to measure student participation and mental health outcomes.