H.R. 438

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to State and local entities to carry out peer-to-peer mental health programs.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 15, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. LaLota · Committee: Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Table of contents

• H.R. 438
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act.

SEC. 2. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program

• (a) In general
  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a grant program to be known as the under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program
• (b) Eligible entity defined
  • In this section, the term eligible entity means any of the following entities that submit to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require:
    • A nonprofit organization having historically served veterans’ mental health needs.
    • A congressionally chartered veteran service organization.
    • A State, local, or Tribal veteran service agency, director, or commissioner.
• (c) Amount of grant
  • The recipient of a grant under this section shall receive a grant in an amount that does not exceed $250,000.
• (d) Use of funds
  • The recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to—
    • carry out a program that meets the standards developed under subsection (e);
    • hire veterans to serve as peer specialists to host group and individual meetings with veterans seeking nonclinical support;
    • provide mental health support to veterans 24 hours each day, seven days each week; and
    • hire staff to support the program.
• (e) Program standards
  • (1) Advisory commission
    • The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee for the purpose of creating appropriate standards applicable to programs established using grants under this section.
  • (2) Standards
    • The standards developed under paragraph (1) shall include initial and continued training for veteran peer volunteers, administrative staffing needs, and best practices for addressing the needs of each veteran served.
• (f) Nonretention of records
  • The Secretary may not require the recipient of a grant under this section to maintain records on veterans seeking support or to report any personally identifying information directly or indirectly to the Secretary about such veterans.
• (g) Authorization of appropriations
  • There is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 to carry out this section during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.