School Mental Health: Grants for Peer Support Programs for Students.
This Act establishes a new grant program to fund peer-to-peer mental health support initiatives in secondary schools nationwide. The goal is to train students to become peer support specialists who can recognize mental health challenges, including suicide risk, and connect their peers with professional services. This aims to improve early intervention and overall well-being among high school students.
Key points
Provides competitive grants (up to $250,000) to schools and educational agencies to implement or expand evidence-based peer mental health support programs.
Programs require mandatory training for student specialists and staff in recognizing warning signs of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and substance use.
All peer support activities must be overseen by certified supervisors and guided by school-based mental health professionals.
Priority funding is directed towards establishing new programs, especially those focusing on suicide prevention or located in high-risk areas.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3453
Sponsor: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Process start date: 2023-12-07