We are expanding our cooperation with the expert community of the United States of America in the field of mental and psychological rehabilitation of people affected by war. Today, Zhytomyr Polytechnic hosted a meeting with Valicor US founder John Kilmer, who has military experience and a deep understanding of the psychological challenges faced by veterans. During the event, the H.E.A.T. program was presented, which, thanks to cooperation with inventors from Zhytomyr region, will become even more effective in determining the psychological state of patients.

H.E.A.T. is a software that uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze facial microexpressions, which allows identifying deep emotional states. This technology is widely used in clinical practice, research, and telemedicine, contributing to the early detection of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The issue of mental health of veterans and war victims is a priority for Ukrainian society. In turn, the United States has considerable experience in overcoming the consequences of warfare. That is why cooperation with American researchers will facilitate the rapid integration of international best practices into rehabilitation programs for our defenders, families of those killed or people who have suffered psychological trauma due to war stress.

In Ukraine, a good basis for providing such services has been created within the framework of the mental health support program “Are You OK?” initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. Our medical institutions are actively involved in this program. At the same time, the state, regional and local authorities are developing a network of veterans' hubs, and there are resilience centers that help veterans, IDPs and their families. The introduction of the H.E.A.T. program into the rehabilitation system will help to more effectively identify the problems faced by victims, differentiate their psychological state, and increase the effectiveness of trauma work.

I thank the rector and the team of Zhytomyr Polytechnic and our American partners for this important initiative. The exchange of experience and joint efforts are key to creating a modern system of psychological assistance.

Together, we will provide the proper level of support to those who need it.