S. 906 — Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act

This section authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to carry out a pilot program through competitive awards to eligible governmental entities (i.e., states, political subdivisions, territories, Indian Tribes, or Tribal organizations) for evidence-based mental health peer support activities in secondary schools. Award funds may support training students, adult supervisors, and others for early identification of, response to, and recovery from mental health and substance use challenges; activities must be overseen by school-based mental health professionals and protect student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA; 20 U.S.C. 1232g). The Assistant Secretary must evaluate the pilot—including participation rates, trainings provided, impacts on student mental health outcomes, and connections to professional services—report results to specified congressional committees, and provide technical assistance to awardees; certain Elementary and Secondary Education Act provisions apply to awards (with an exception); and the pilot terminates on September 30, 2029.