S.Amdt. 1248

This amendment, known as the Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act, adds a new section to the bill that creates a pilot program to support student mental health.

Specifically, the amendment allows the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, working with the Secretary of Education, to make competitive awards to eligible entities. These entities include States, political subdivisions of States, territories, or Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.

The purpose of these awards is to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for students in secondary schools. Eligible entities must use the funds to implement or operate these activities, which can include providing training to students, adult supervisors, and other individuals to help identify, respond to, and support mental health and substance use challenges early. All of these activities must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional.