Enhancing Mental Health Support in Ukraine
The resilience of individuals is intricately linked to the resilience of the system. This essential message was conveyed at the Mental Health Forum held in Kyiv starting on November 26. Over three days, experts, government officials, community representatives, and international partners discussed how to build a modern and effective mental health support system in Ukraine.
Odesa region actively participated in this dialogue by presenting its contribution to the national mental health program «How Are You?» initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Specifically, our region was represented by:
- – Dmytro Radulov, Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional State Administration,
- – Anna Velichko, Regional Coordinator of the program «How Are You?» in Odesa,
- – Margarita Bespal'ko, Consultant in the Dobroslav community,
- – Valentina Vitos, Director of the Odesa Regional Center for Ukrainian Culture.
During the opening of the forum, Olena Zelenska emphasized: «I thank everyone who, in various sectors, under different conditions, with diverse experiences, is working together to support Ukrainians, providing them with moral strength. Unfortunately, we cannot heal all wounds. But we can offer everyone in pain a sense of support, understanding, and compassion».
Ukraine is studying international experiences, while also creating a unique system that meets the challenges of our time.
Odesa's pride is the award received by the Odesa Regional Center for Ukrainian Culture for active participation in the «How Are You?» program.
The forum also showcased the range of services the state offers to support mental health and discussed new legislative initiatives in this area.
This forum was organized with the support of WHO, the Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers / Mental Health UA, the Netherlands, Canada, and France. Ukraine is confidently moving toward establishing a system that cares for everyone.
What other tools do you think might help strengthen the mental health of Ukrainians? Share your thoughts!