Direct Relief Commits to Supporting Mental Health Care for Children and Hospital-Based Schools in Ukraine

Direct Relief has announced $750,000 in funding to the Olena Zelenska Foundation to support children in Ukraine who are receiving long-term medical treatment and those affected by the war.

The commitment will help establish five new hospital-based "School of Superheroes" centers in 2027, enabling children who are receiving extended hospital care to continue their education, remain connected with teachers and peers, and preserve a sense of routine while addressing their medical needs.

The partnership will also support psychosocial programs for children affected by the war, helping expand access to longer-term emotional and psychological support.

"For us, it is important not only to respond to children's needs today, but also to create solutions that will support them in the long term. Our partnership with Direct Relief allows us to scale two important areas of our work: ensuring access to education for children undergoing long-term hospital treatment and expanding psychosocial support. I am grateful to Direct Relief for its trust in the Foundation and for its commitment to creating more opportunities for Ukrainian children together," said Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine and Founder of the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

"For a child spending weeks or months in a hospital, the chance to learn, see friends, and simply feel like a child, matters enormously," said Amy Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief. "Direct Relief has supported the people of Ukraine for many years, and we will continue to be there, helping ensure children have not only the care they need, but the opportunity to heal, grow, and look toward their futures with hope."

Further Building Support for Ukraine's Evolving Health Needs

Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Direct Relief has mounted the largest humanitarian response in the organization's nearly 80-year history.

To date, Direct Relief has provided more than $2.5 billion in donated medicines and medical supplies for Ukraine, including more than $75 million in financial support for healthcare and humanitarian programs, and more than $12 million to strengthen reliable backup power for health facilities.

That support has included medicines, trauma supplies, protective equipment, and other resources needed to help sustain healthcare services throughout the war.

As the conflict continues, Ukrainian healthcare providers and humanitarian organizations are also responding to longer-term needs, including specialized medical care for children, rehabilitation and prosthetics for people with serious injuries, mental health services, and support for families experiencing displacement and loss.

Earlier this month, Direct Relief announced $10 million to support new health and recovery efforts across Ukraine, including mental health and psychosocial services, specialized care for children and families, rehabilitation and prosthetics, healthcare for frontline communities, and other essential services identified by Ukrainian partners.

Helping Children Continue Learning

Today, 22 "School of Superheroes" centers operate across 17 regions of Ukraine. More than 4,000 children have participated in the Foundation's camp programs to date, with the five new centers funded by Direct Relief further expanding access.

The partnership's psychosocial programming will provide additional support for children affected by the war, including those coping with displacement, injury, illness, loss, and prolonged uncertainty.

The new centers are expected to open in Ukrainian hospitals in 2027.