Investing in Strategies to Address the Mental Health Crisis Caused by War

Ukrainians are suffering from trauma during this ongoing tragic war. Typical tools for addressing PTSD and anxiety like group or individual therapy, are not accessible to millions of refugees as they lack the space, privacy, and time needed for a therapeutic process. Project Kesher Ukraine has been engaged to pilot two programs that will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help the masses of Ukrainians in need of mental health support. One initiative, TraumaBrace, allows people to self-assess their mental state and receive resources to ease their acute situation. PKU has been tapped to adapt the Ukrainian translation and recruit and encourage users. TraumaBrace is recommended by Columbia University's Global Mental Health Program.

Another program, by Ukrainian-American woman-run company Tangible AI, will provide a chatbot that will help combat self-limiting beliefs and boost self-efficacy in job-seekers. Traumatized and unemployed, refugees become paralyzed and devalue their skills and experience. Through exercises to build self-esteem, resume development and other tools, users can begin to re-imagine their trajectory and believe in their potential to re-enter the workforce.

Project Kesher is actively raising funds to support these initiatives right now. If you would like to make a gift to support one of these programs, or to learn more and get involved in Project Kesher, contact Shira Pruce, Director of Development.