This bill would create the "PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program." The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would award grants to eligible entities to set up peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. Eligible entities are nonprofits that have historically served veterans' mental health needs, congressionally chartered veteran service organizations, and State, local, or Tribal veteran service agencies, directors, or commissioners. Each grant would be for up to $250,000. Grant funds must be used to run a program that meets standards set by an advisory committee, hire veterans to serve as peer specialists for group and individual nonclinical support, provide mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and hire staff to support the program. The Secretary must establish an advisory committee to develop standards, including initial and ongoing training for peer volunteers, administrative staffing needs, and best practices. The Secretary may not require grant recipients to keep or report personally identifying information about veterans seeking support. The bill authorizes $25,000,000 to carry out the program during the three-year period beginning on enactment.
If you are a veteran: The bill would aim to expand local, nonclinical peer-to-peer mental health support that could be available at any hour. If you run or work for an eligible organization: You could apply for a grant (up to $250,000) to start or expand a peer support program that follows the standards set by the advisory committee. If you are a member of the public or a taxpayer: Congress has authorized $25,000,000 over three years for this program. No publicly available information on how many grants would be awarded or where programs would be located.
The bill authorizes $25,000,000 to carry out the program during the three-year period beginning on the date of enactment. Individual grants would be limited to $250,000 each. No publicly available information on total expected federal spending, cost estimates, or a Congressional Budget Office score.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.