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HF 3918

Commissioner of health authorized to award grants for peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and programs to train high school students as peer mentors.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Baker and 5 co-sponsors

The bill would let the Minnesota Department of Health award grants to schools and partners to run peer-led suicide prevention and high school peer-mentoring training programs.

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Bill Summary · HF 3918

Summary of HF 3918 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

HF 3918 authorizes the Commissioner of Health to award grants for two related suicide prevention initiatives:
1) Peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs.
2) Programs to train high school students as peer mentors for suicide prevention.

The bill aims to expand access to peer-led supports and education within schools and communities to reduce suicide risk among youths and young adults by funding structured, evidence-informed activities.

Key Provisions

  • Grant Authority: The Commissioner of Health would have the authority to award grants specifically for:

    • Peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiatives.
    • Training programs that prepare high school students to serve as peer mentors in suicide prevention efforts.

  • Recipient Focus: Grants are intended to be used by schools, nonprofit organizations, or other entities approved by the commissioner that implement peer-led prevention programs and mentoring training targeted at high school populations.

  • Program Components (anticipated structure):

    • Recruitment and training of high school students to serve as peer mentors.
    • Development or deployment of peer-led suicide prevention activities (e.g., classroom presentations, peer support networks, outreach campaigns, and crisis response awareness).
    • Coordinated supervision and support from qualified professionals or program staff to ensure safety and effectiveness.
    • Evaluation measures to assess program outcomes, such as changes in help-seeking behavior, stigma reduction, or reductions in crisis indicators.

  • Standards and Accountability: Likely requirements include program evaluation, reporting to the Department of Health, and adherence to safety and privacy standards (though specific metrics and reporting timelines would be defined by grant guidance or future rulemaking).

  • Funding and Administrative Details: The bill would establish or authorize the appropriation of grant funds to support these activities. It may outline application processes, eligibility criteria, grant periods, and potential grant caps or matching requirements (exact dollar amounts and terms would be specified in the final grant guidelines or appropriations language).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Target Population: High school students who participate in peer-mentoring programs and peer-to-peer prevention activities.
  • Grantee Organizations: Schools, school districts, nonprofit organizations, or other entities approved by the Commissioner of Health to implement funded programs.
  • Public Health System: Minnesota Department of Health would administer the grant program, set guidelines, monitor compliance, and evaluate outcomes.
  • Potential Stakeholders: Students, families, school staff, mental health professionals, educators, and community organizations involved in suicide prevention and youth mental health education.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Status: Introduced and referred to Health Finance and Policy (as of the action history). The bill has multiple lawmakers listed as authors and co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan interest.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes. Final enactment would require passage by both houses and signature by the governor.
  • Effective Date: Any effective date would be specified in the enacted statute or the grant program guidance; typical implementation would align with a future school year or grant cycle, pending appropriation.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary focuses on the substantive aim: expanding peer-led suicide prevention through grants and high school mentoring training.
  • Specific grant amounts, eligible entities, performance metrics, and application procedures will be detailed in authorizing language, appropriations, and department guidance if the bill progresses.
  • The bill emphasizes youth-focused prevention, school involvement, and professional oversight to ensure safe and effective peer support initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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