H.R. 8493 — Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026

This section establishes an interagency working group, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use), to review best practices for peer-to-peer behavioral health programs tailored to law enforcement officers and first responders and to issue updated recommendations to Congress on improving their mental and behavioral health outcomes, including by reducing suicide risk and addressing substance use conditions. The working group must evaluate programs for distinct occupational models, incorporate best practices on confidentiality protections, training standards for peer supporters, and integration with licensed professionals, and include balanced representation from federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local agencies, law enforcement officers and first responders with program experience, and nongovernmental organizations. Not later than one year after enactment, the group must publish a report on the Department of Health and Human Services website with evidence-based findings and minimum standards for effective programs, and submit recommendations to Congress on integrating such programs into the broader behavioral health continuum and on federal grant guidance, technical assistance, and interagency coordination. The working group terminates one year after fulfilling these requirements but may be reconvened by the Secretary if further updates to recommendations or best practices are needed, with such sums as may be necessary authorized to be appropriated.