HealthRight International

11/12/2025

Last week, HealthRight CEO Dr. Peter Navario visited Kyiv, meeting with partners from UNICEF, WHO Ukraine, the Ministry of Health, and Parliament, as well as business and civil society leaders. These conversations were about more than partnership—they were about our shared responsibility to rebuild Ukraine’s healthcare system and integrate psychosocial support into communities across the country.

At Bogomolets National Medical University, Dr. Navario and Dr. Halyna Skipalska, Ukraine Country Director, met with Rector Yuriy Kuchyn and university leaders to explore new educational collaborations that connect training with real-world public health experience—helping future doctors and psychologists better respond to mental health, resilience, and crisis care.

We extend our gratitude to our partners and colleagues for their dedication, professionalism, and shared vision—because a healthy society begins with education, compassion, and collaboration.

11/05/2025

We’re proud to share that Dr. John Patena, Director of HealthRight’s U.S. Mental Health Program, presented at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Conference this week!

His presentation, “Evaluation of a Psychosocial Intervention to Improve Adolescent Birth Experiences in West Pokot, Kenya,” highlighted how low-cost, community-led psychosocial tools—such as Doing What Matters in Times of Stress—can significantly improve birth experiences and mental health for adolescent mothers.

These results underscore the power of evidence-based, scalable approaches to strengthening maternal and adolescent health globally.

10/30/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening at the 2025 Health + Human Rights Gala at Le Jardinier. Together, we celebrated community, compassion, and HealthRight’s mission to strengthen health systems and expand access to care around the world.

Couldn’t attend? There’s still time to make an impact: https://hubs.li/Q03QXFXs0

10/29/2025

It's not too late to join!

Today, Wednesday, October 29 from 12-1 PM EDT for:
INNOVATING MENTAL HEALTH: A WEBINAR SERIES
Building Partnerships for Scaling-up Low-intensity Psychological Interventions in the U.S.

Originally developed for use in low-income countries, low-intensity psychological interventions can be adapted for vulnerable and underserved populations in the U.S., offering an innovative, low-cost, and scalable solution for mental health care. In the first webinar of this series, learn about the partnerships and infrastructure needed to implement these interventions in U.S. settings.

Register Now: https://hubs.li/Q03QKdgq0

10/22/2025

You don’t have to attend the Gala to take part! 🎉

Our Health + Human Rights Gala Silent Auction is now open to everyone — bid on exclusive travel, art, and experiences, and help HealthRight expand access to health care around the world.

Bidding closes October 22 at 9 PM ET!

Explore & bid now: https://hubs.li/Q03PD8HH0

10/14/2025

With the support of Alliance for Public Health and the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund (UHF), HealthRight is providing dignity kits to 3,000 women and girls in remote communities of Kharkiv and at the transit center in Lozova. These kits—filled with hygiene products, protective equipment, and HIV/AIDS prevention information—are more than supplies. They are a symbol of care, security, and hope in the midst of war.

Read more: https://hubs.li/Q03LYZ970

10/12/2025

Our latest publication explores CHANGE, a psychological intervention delivered by non-specialist workers to support men with alcohol use disorders and psychological distress in conflict-affected settings in Uganda.

Implemented in the Rhino Camp refugee settlement, the intervention was found to be acceptable, feasible, and potentially life-changing, improving drinking habits, sleep, appetite, and social relationships. With its structured yet flexible approach, CHANGE could be a scalable solution in low-resource settings with limited specialist care.

Read the full study here: https://hubs.li/Q03LY_mq0

10/10/2025

Originally developed for use in low-income countries, low-intensity psychological interventions can be adapted for vulnerable and underserved populations in the U.S., offering an innovative, low-cost, and scalable solution for mental health care. In the first webinar of this series, learn about the partnerships and infrastructure needed to implement these interventions in U.S. settings.

Join us on Wednesday, October 29 from 12-1 PM EDT for:
INNOVATING MENTAL HEALTH: A WEBINAR SERIES
Building Partnerships for Scaling-up Low-intensity Psychological Interventions in the U.S.

Register Now: https://hubs.li/Q03N80F80

10/10/2025

Last weekend in Odesa, we hosted the forum “Resilient Families, Resilient Future” together with UNICEF — a powerful platform for dialogue on reforming Ukraine’s childcare system.

More than 100 participants joined: government leaders, international organizations, social workers, public figures, and former residents of institutions — all united by one goal: ensuring that every child grows up in a loving family, not behind orphanage walls.

Dmytro Yakym, who spent his early years in an orphanage before being adopted, reminded us what’s possible: “Today, I have two higher education degrees, speak English, and participate in forums. But most of all, I am grateful to my new parents for giving me the chance to become who I am.”

Together, we are building a future where every child has the care, security, and support they deserve.

10/08/2025

Our latest paper on the C4C model has just been published in Frontiers in Public Health!

The study highlights how we co-created a peer support wellbeing curriculum with Ukrainian healthcare and humanitarian aid workers, addressing top stressors like safety, family concerns, and financial hardships. Nearly all participants expressed interest in peer support interventions, shaping a 6-module program focused on coping skills, team dynamics, and psychological preparedness.

Read the full paper here:

In February 2022 Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. National aid workers responded to the crisis, at the risk of their own wellbeing. This case study de...

10/06/2025

Our Country Director, Halyna Skipalska, was recently featured in DIGNITY’s article on the urgent need for mental health care in Ukraine. “We work with people who have been in captivity, tortured, and humiliated, and we try to help them restore faith in themselves and in life.” – Halyna Skipalska

Every day, our teams at the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health work with survivors of torture, captivity, gender-based violence, and war crimes. Through trauma-informed counseling, legal aid, and community support, we help people begin the long process of healing and rebuilding their lives.

This recognition highlights the resilience of survivors and the dedication of those on the frontlines of care.

Read the full article:

Ukrainian psychologists are working tirelessly to help those who have endured torture and the traumas of war. In this article, they share their experiences of the mental health crisis in war-torn Ukraine – and the hope that emerges when survivors begin to rebuild their lives.

10/04/2025

Less than one month to go! On October 22, 2025, join HealthRight at Le Jardinier, NYC for an unforgettable evening supporting global health equity.

Enjoy an exquisite dinner, connect with fellow changemakers, and bid in our live auction—all while helping HealthRight deliver life-changing care to marginalized communities around the world.

Every ticket and donation helps us strengthen health systems, expand mental health services, and support those who need it most.

Secure your spot or learn about sponsorship opportunities today: https://hubs.li/Q03LYDcT0