PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act

PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program to make grants to eligible entities for peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans.

Eligible entities include (1) a nonprofit organization that has historically served the mental health needs of veterans; (2) a congressionally chartered veteran service organization; or (3) a state, local, or tribal veteran service agency, director, or commissioner.

The VA shall establish an advisory committee to create appropriate program standards.

Bill 119 hr 438, also known as the "Peer Support for Veterans Act," aims to provide support for veterans struggling with mental health issues by authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to distribute grants to State and local entities to implement peer-to-peer mental health programs. These programs would connect veterans with trained peers who have also experienced mental health challenges, creating a supportive and understanding environment for veterans to seek help and guidance.

The bill recognizes the unique struggles that veterans face when dealing with mental health issues and aims to address these challenges by providing a peer support system. By connecting veterans with peers who have gone through similar experiences, the bill seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage veterans to seek the help they need.

The grants provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would be used to fund the implementation and operation of these peer-to-peer mental health programs at the State and local level. This would ensure that veterans across the country have access to the support they need to address their mental health concerns. Overall, Bill 119 hr 438 is a bipartisan effort to improve mental health support for veterans by establishing peer-to-peer programs that provide understanding and empathy to those in need. By authorizing grants for these programs, the bill aims to create a network of support for veterans struggling with mental health issues and promote overall well-being within the veteran community.