S.906 - Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.906, the Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act, aims to establish a pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for students in secondary schools. The program would be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, in consultation with the Secretary of Education. It focuses on providing competitive awards to eligible entities, such as states, territories, and tribal organizations, to implement these support activities.
The bill emphasizes the importance of early identification, response, and recovery supports for mental health and substance use challenges among students. It also includes provisions for program oversight by school-based mental health professionals and protection of student education records under FERPA.
Finally, the bill mandates an evaluation of the pilot program's efficacy and a report to Congress, along with technical assistance to eligible entities. The program is set to terminate on September 30, 2029.
Expected Effects
This bill, if enacted, would likely increase the availability of mental health support services for students in secondary schools through peer-to-peer programs. It would also provide funding and guidance to states, territories, and tribal organizations to implement and evaluate these programs.
The evaluation and reporting requirements would help to determine the effectiveness of peer support activities in improving student mental health outcomes. The technical assistance component would ensure that eligible entities have access to best practices and resources.
Ultimately, the bill aims to promote resiliency and reduce risks associated with mental health and substance use challenges among students.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Student Mental Health: The primary benefit is the potential for improved mental health outcomes among students through peer support activities.
- Early Identification and Intervention: The program emphasizes early identification of mental health and substance use challenges, leading to more timely interventions.
- Evidence-Based Practices: The bill requires the use of evidence-based mental health peer support activities, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
- Increased Awareness and Reduced Stigma: Peer support programs can help to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma among students.
- Data-Driven Improvement: The evaluation and reporting requirements will provide valuable data for improving the effectiveness of mental health programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: As a pilot program, its impact is limited to the entities selected to participate, potentially excluding many students in need.
- Funding Dependency: The program's success relies on continued funding and support from HHS, which could be subject to change.
- Implementation Challenges: Ensuring proper oversight and training for peer support activities may present implementation challenges for some entities.
- Privacy Concerns: While FERPA protections are included, there are still potential privacy concerns related to the collection and maintenance of student education records.
- Evaluation Limitations: The evaluation may not capture all relevant factors influencing student mental health outcomes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote the well-being of students by addressing mental health needs. The federal government's role in providing grants to states and other entities for educational and health-related programs has been generally upheld, although the extent of federal power in these areas is sometimes debated.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions, such as the First Amendment or the Second Amendment. The bill includes provisions to protect student privacy under FERPA, which aligns with concerns about individual liberties.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and some may argue that education and mental health are primarily state responsibilities. The bill addresses this by allowing states and other entities to voluntarily apply for and implement the program.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).