HR438-119

2. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a grant program to be known as the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. In this section, the term eligible entity means any of the following entities that submit to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require: A nonprofit organization having historically served veterans’ mental health needs. A congressionally chartered veteran service organization. A State, local, or Tribal veteran service agency, director, or commissioner. The recipient of a grant under this section shall receive a grant in an amount that does not exceed $250,000. The recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to— carry out a program that meets the standards developed under subsection (e); hire veterans to serve as peer specialists to host group and individual meetings with veterans seeking nonclinical support; provide mental health support to veterans 24 hours each day, seven days each week; and hire staff to support the program. The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee for the purpose of creating appropriate standards applicable to programs established using grants under this section. The standards developed under paragraph (1) shall include initial and continued training for veteran peer volunteers, administrative staffing needs, and best practices for addressing the needs of each veteran served. The Secretary may not require the recipient of a grant under this section to maintain records on veterans seeking support or to report any personally identifying information directly or indirectly to the Secretary about such veterans. There is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 to carry out this section during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.