As Ukraine faces unprecedented mental health challenges due to ongoing conflict, its healthcare leaders are seeking collaboration with Temple University’s College of Public Health and School of Social Work. This partnership, part of a larger United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project led by Associate Professor Bill Aaronson from the Health Services Administration Program (HSAP), underscores the university’s standing as a leader in innovative healthcare education.
“At this critical juncture, our partnership with Ukrainian healthcare leaders represents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen systems vital for mental health care,” says Dr. Aaronson. “Together, we can create impactful solutions that address immediate needs while building a resilient foundation for the future.”
Temple is hosting faculty from two Ukrainian Schools of Social Work and a School of Nursing, recognizing the importance of shared knowledge in tackling pressing issues. Temple University’s nursing program, recently ranked among the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report, is poised to provide valuable insights into effective training and practice.
Optimistic about this transformative partnership, Professor Amita Avadhani, Chair of the Temple University School of Nursing, said, “By exchanging knowledge and strategies, we aim to cultivate innovative nursing practices that not only support recovery in Ukraine but also enrich our own community.”
During their visit, the Ukrainian educators will engage with local social workers and nurses in Philadelphia, exploring best practices, visiting practicum sites, and discussing advancements in trauma-informed care and community responses. This exchange aims to strengthen healthcare education in both regions, focusing on workforce development to meet the growing mental health needs in Ukraine.
“This collaboration emphasizes the critical importance of mental health during times of crisis and highlights our commitment to being an international leader in health policy,” noted Dean Jennifer Ibrahim. “Ukraine’s choice to partner with the College of Public Health and School of Social Work underscores our shared dedication to advancing healthcare education and practices that foster resilience in the face of adversity.”
Additionally, Temple is welcoming a group of Ukrainian artists to learn how to implement Mural Arts programs, further emphasizing the importance of cultural resilience.
Obiamaka Igwenagu, a second-year MPH student specializing in Health Policy and Management, actively participates in the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, where she explores how public art can foster healing and community resilience. “By bringing communities together through creative expression, art can provide a powerful tool for addressing challenges in mental health,” she said. “Our hope is to inspire Ukrainian leaders by demonstrating how public art can not only transform spaces, but also uplift the individuals within them.”
As this collaboration progresses over the next three years, it highlights how Temple University is stepping up as a partner in healthcare education, providing vital support during a critical time for Ukraine's healthcare system.