VT H0817

Requires each supervisory union or school district to select and implement a mental health and substance misuse literacy curriculum covering topics including warning signs, evidence-based treatments, and how to seek help

Department of Mental Health must post guidance on evidence-informed curricula and best practices for schools to use in curriculum selection

Establishes a four-year pilot grant program for peer-to-peer mental health support programs in public and approved independent schools, with oversight from certified peer support providers and school-based mental health professionals

Grant applications accepted on rolling basis beginning February 1, 2027, with priority given to schools proposing suicide prevention components or located in areas with high suicide rates or recent traumatic events

Report evaluating program efficacy due to House Committee on Health Care and Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2030; effective date July 1, 2026