This bill establishes comprehensive mental health services and awareness initiatives at public institutions of higher education in Iowa. It defines key terms such as "mental health condition," "public institution of higher education," and "telehealth," and mandates institutions to implement various functions aimed at raising mental health awareness. These functions include developing annual orientation sessions, integrating mental health curricula into existing courses, providing online resources, and distributing mental health information during high-stress periods. Additionally, institutions are required to implement an online screening tool for mental health conditions and provide contact information for mental health resources on student identification cards.

The bill also mandates the creation of a mental health technical assistance center by the Department of Health and Human Services, which will develop standardized policies for medical leave related to mental health, support institutions in reviewing their policies, and establish best practices for partnerships with local mental health agencies. Furthermore, it requires the establishment of peer support programs utilizing student peers to assist fellow students with mental health conditions, and strategic partnerships with local mental health service providers to enhance campus mental wellness. Institutions must evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and report on their findings, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in mental health services.