Peer Support Services Center of Excellence Act

Bill 118 s 3259, also known as the Peer Support Services Center of Excellence Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a Peer Support Services Center of Excellence within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Peer Support Services Center of Excellence would be responsible for conducting research, providing technical assistance, and disseminating best practices related to peer support services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Peer support services involve individuals with lived experience providing support and guidance to others who are going through similar challenges.

The bill aims to improve access to high-quality peer support services, enhance the effectiveness of these services, and promote the integration of peer support into the broader mental health and substance use disorder treatment system. It also seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the value of peer support among policymakers, providers, and the general public. If passed, the Peer Support Services Center of Excellence Act would allocate funding to support the establishment and operation of the Center, as well as for research, training, and technical assistance activities. The bill has bipartisan support and is seen as a positive step towards improving mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the United States.