The "PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act" authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program aimed at funding peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. These grants, which can be up to $250,000 , are available to eligible entities such as nonprofit organizations, congressionally chartered veteran service organizations, and State, local, or Tribal veteran service agencies. Grant recipients must use the funds to hire veteran peer specialists and staff to provide 24/7 non-clinical mental health support through group and individual meetings. The Secretary will establish an advisory committee to create program standards, including initial and continued training for peer volunteers and best practices. Notably, the bill prohibits the Secretary from requiring grant recipients to maintain or report personally identifying information about veterans seeking support.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Armed Forces and National Security
Advisory bodiesGovernment lending and loan guaranteesMental healthVeterans' medical care
PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act
USA119th CongressHR-438| House
| Updated: 2/20/2025
The "PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act" authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program aimed at funding peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. These grants, which can be up to $250,000 , are available to eligible entities such as nonprofit organizations, congressionally chartered veteran service organizations, and State, local, or Tribal veteran service agencies. Grant recipients must use the funds to hire veteran peer specialists and staff to provide 24/7 non-clinical mental health support through group and individual meetings. The Secretary will establish an advisory committee to create program standards, including initial and continued training for peer volunteers and best practices. Notably, the bill prohibits the Secretary from requiring grant recipients to maintain or report personally identifying information about veterans seeking support.