“The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, opened the forum “Human Resilience – System Resilience” in Kyiv. The event was organized as part of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How are you?”, which was initiated by the President’s wife. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Vereshchuk also took part in the event.”, — write: www.president.gov.ua
The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, opened the forum “Human Resilience – System Resilience” in Kyiv. The event was organized as part of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How are you?”, which was initiated by the President’s wife. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Vereshchuk also took part in the event.
The Mental Health Forum is a three-day platform for sharing experiences and working out solutions for the development of the mental health system and services in Ukraine during the war and reconstruction.
Denys Shmyhal said in his speech: “The state is increasing the number of workers who provide assistance to people with mental problems. Mental health support services are free and included in the Medical Guarantee Program. Up to 400,000 Ukrainians were able to use them this year. A network of sustainability centers has been created. 211 communities from 23 regions are involved in the process. We focus on children. We are activating a three-level component of psychological support for veterans during the transition from military service to civilian life.”
Almost all ministries and departments are involved in these and other measures.
Among the participants of the forum are people’s deputies, representatives of central executive bodies, expert and scientific communities, institutions of higher education and non-governmental organizations.
“Thank you to everyone who, in different sectors, in different conditions, with different experience, is doing a common thing – enveloping Ukrainians with care and providing moral strength. Unfortunately, we cannot heal all wounds. But we can give everyone who is in pain a feeling of support, understanding and care,” said Olena Zelenska.
The President’s wife noted that, while implementing the “How are you?” program, Ukraine is studying the experience of those countries where mental health projects have been working for many years. But at the same time, it follows its own unique path, because it has a challenge that is unlike any other.
“Only you, those who directly create our program at all levels, know how to help the patient when the specialist is in the same extreme conditions – under fire, in constant uncertainty, in stress. How to create a mental health service where it previously seemed impossible. For example, in a museum, a palace of culture, a sports section or TsNAP,” the first lady said.
According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, since the beginning of the year, more than 375,000 Ukrainians have received mental health care at the primary level of medicine. This is three times more than last year. In total, more than 108,000 specialists have received appropriate training.
During the forum, regions, communities, individual centers, specialized institutions, innovators in solutions received a special award from the program.
“Ukraine knows what it is building. Ukraine moves in unison with the main world developments and has effective expert support. Thanks to everyone who helps us in this! We do not wish anyone to go through such an experience as ours, but we are ready to transfer our achievements so that they make life easier around the world,” the first lady concluded.
