News
The War Within: How three HBS alumni are helping Ukrainians process their trauma—and prepare for a rebuild, Harvard Business School Alumni Bulletin
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CAMBRIDGE, MASS., December 8, 2023 – Heal Ukraine Trauma (HUT) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Tedstrom, a distinguished international security and global health economics expert, to its Board of Directors. “With a wealth of experience in government, the private sector, and civil society, John Tedstrom brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our organization,” said HUT’s Board President, Elaine Klein. “We are thrilled to welcome John to our Board and look forward to benefiting from his expertise to advance our mission of addressing conflict-related trauma in Ukraine.”
Mr. Tedstrom served as the Director for Russia, Ukraine, and the New Independent States at the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton, where he played a crucial role in shaping policies that impacted the region. In 2003, he founded Transatlantic Partners Against AIDS (TPAA), a groundbreaking joint venture between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine aimed at combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the former Soviet Union. His exceptional leadership and close partnership with Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who led the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC), led to the merger of TPAA and GBC. The merger significantly expanded the organization’s impact and outreach.
Mr. Tedstrom founded and operates Tedstrom Associates, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, particularly for LGBTQ+ employees. Tedstrom also founded NextGen Leaders, a leadership development and networking program for young LGBTQ+ professionals. An accomplished academic, Mr. Tedstrom holds a D.Phil. degree in Economics and Russian Area Studies from the University of Birmingham. He conducted research on the economies of the Soviet Union, Russia, and Ukraine at The Hudson Institute, Radio Liberty (Munich), RAND, and Columbia University. He has authored over 100 publications on economics and public health. Mr. Tedstrom has served on several international boards and commissions focused on international security, global health, and enduring peace and justice.
“HUT is working at the cutting edge of breakthrough mental health interventions, and I'm both honored and excited to join its Board,” Mr. Tedstrom said. “Its leaders have done a great job of establishing the organization, building awareness around game changing treatments for PTSD, and forging strong partnerships on the ground that will deliver treatment. Ukraine has already lost too many of its best and brightest to an unjust and tragic war, and it will need all of its citizens healthy and focused in order to rebuild. I look forward to working with HUT to bring vital mental health support to Ukrainians and help build a brighter future for Ukraine.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elise Wilson, Executive Director, Heal Ukraine Trauma elisewilson@healtraumas.org
About Heal Ukraine Trauma
Heal Ukraine Trauma was founded in 2022 with the goal of helping Ukrainian adults and children heal from conflict-associated trauma and live fulfilling, productive lives. HUT works with trauma experts and strategic partners in Ukraine and abroad to scale existing evidence-based programs, pilot new programs, and support the introduction of novel therapies to improve mental health outcomes. Heal Ukraine Trauma is the first project of Heal Traumas International, Inc., a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit which aims to implement evidence-based programs for conflict-related trauma. Learn more at https://healtraumas.org/.
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The report summarizes research and key informant interviews to provide relevant context for NGOs and responders in Ukraine
CAMBRIDGE, MASS., April 19, 2023 – Heal Ukraine Trauma, a project of 501(c)(3) nonprofit Heal Trauma International, Inc., today announced the publication of their report on mental health in Ukraine. The need for mental health care and psychosocial support has increased dramatically in the 14 months of conflict following Russia’s invasion. The report combines primary and secondary source research with feedback from trauma experts, mental health practitioners, and humanitarian workers in Ukraine and around the globe.
“The war has imposed an enormous mental health burden on a country that already had one of the highest rates of mental health disorders in the world due to historical trauma.” said Elizabeth Ames, co-founder and CEO of Heal Ukraine Trauma. “We hope this report will offer context for organizations seeking to provide support in Ukraine.”
Key takeaways from the report:
An estimated 11 million people are likely to suffer from mental health disorders due to Russia’s invasion.
Children are particularly vulnerable because the war has impacted their safety, security, and routine, including the destruction of over 2,400 education facilities.
The centralized mental health care system is unevenly distributed across the country and underfunded, with just 2.5% of healthcare expenditure allocated to mental health.
Demand for mental health services is climbing, but existing healthcare facilities and providers are not equipped to provide adequate support.
The report provides an overview of the need for mental health care, the populations at high risk, and availability of mental health resources in Ukraine today. It also delves into demographics, the historical and social context of mental health in Ukraine, the structure of the healthcare system and delivery of care, and ways that providers are shaping new strategies to improve care. Read the full report here.
About Heal Ukraine Trauma
Heal Ukraine Trauma was founded in 2022 with the goal of helping Ukrainian adults and children heal from conflict-associated trauma and live fulfilling, productive lives. HUT works with trauma experts and strategic partners in Ukraine and abroad to scale existing evidence-based programs, pilot new programs, and support the introduction of novel therapies to improve mental health outcomes. Heal Ukraine Trauma is the first project of Heal Traumas International, Inc., a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit which aims to implement evidence-based programs for conflict-related trauma. Learn more at https://healtraumas.org/.