H.R. 438 — PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act

This section establishes the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes grants of up to $250,000 to eligible entities—nonprofit organizations historically serving veterans' mental health needs, congressionally chartered veteran service organizations, or state, local, or Tribal veteran service agencies, directors, or commissioners—for peer-to-peer mental health support programs for veterans. Grant recipients must use funds to (1) operate programs meeting VA-developed standards, (2) hire veterans as peer specialists to provide group and individual nonclinical support meetings, (3) deliver mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and (4) hire supporting staff. The Secretary must establish an advisory committee to develop standards covering peer training, administrative needs, and best practices for veterans served. The section authorizes $25 million for the program over three years beginning on the date of enactment and prohibits grantees from retaining records or reporting personally identifiable information on participating veterans to the VA.