October 23, 2024 – Ottawa – Superhumans Center, Project In-Kind, and The Royal and its Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) affiliated with the University of Ottawa, are proud to announce their strategic partnership to advance Superminds for Superhumans (“Superminds”), a mental health initiative providing support to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have experienced amputation due to war injuries, and to their families and support communities.
"Mental health challenges are often invisible but deeply impactful, particularly in conflict zones," said Dr. Patrick McGrath, IMHR Senior Scientist and clinical lead. "Through Superminds, we aim to deliver trauma-informed care and research-driven interventions that address the complex mental health needs of those affected by the war."
The Superminds Project is being co-developed between the partners and will focus on delivering trauma-informed care through a holistic approach. Drawing on a global network of leading mental health experts, the program integrates digital tools with personalized mental health support, using evidence-based protocols for PTSD and other conditions, specifically targeting amputees and their families.
“Research is Care – The Royal / IMHR is proud to support Superminds Project, which represents the future of clinical research, where the collective intelligence of diverse, interconnected teams drives innovation and accelerates breakthroughs”, says Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, IMHR president and vice president of research at The Royal. “By leveraging the power of collaboration across disciplines, Superminds enable us to transform research into actionable insights, ensuring faster, more effective treatments for patients.”
A key feature of the project is the development of a supportive coaching community, where peers and family members are trained to offer mental health support, building resilience for long-term wellness. The project will also measure and report on in-kind contributions, social impact and the sustainable development goals.
"We initiated Superminds with Superhumans to make a difference and showcase the power of committed leaders, practitioners, researchers and philanthropists who want to scale humanitarian innovation and push the bounds of what can be done to empower Ukrainians,” said Tanya Woods, Chair of Project In-Kind. “The partners and expert contributors are working hard to ensure that Superminds meets the critical mental health needs of affected people and their communities."
By combining the expertise of The Royal / IMHR, Project In-Kind, Superhumans Centre, and the global mental health experts network, this partnership is uniquely positioned to address the mental health crisis in Ukraine and serve as a global open source model for similar interventions in conflict zones and high-need communities.
For more information about the Superminds Project, please contact:
Ariel Vered, Chief Communications Officer, Project In-Kind
613-875-1865
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Superhumans Center is a rehabilitation center in Ukraine for adults and children who have suffered life-changing injuries, whether wounded on the battlefield or in the streets. Superhumans focuses on personalized approaches to body and facial reconstruction, limb prosthesis, skin transplantation, exoskeletons, powered by domestically manufactured state-of-the-art medical devices, and also psychological support for patients. Through the best specialists, world-leading experts and expertise, Superhumans gives Ukrainians the superhero life they deserve. Learn more here.
Launched in 2020 by a team of young philanthropists, Project In-Kind is the world's first in-kind impact movement dedicated to enabling 1 billion in-kind donations of skills, services, and goods locally in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. By empowering scalable projects and initiatives with increased visibility, in-kind support, and expert guidance, people, businesses, and community organizations can work more efficiently together to support the vital organizations serving those in need now, while building whole community resiliency into the future. Project In-Kind is committed to advancing philanthropy, sharing open-source research and educational resources, supporting global projects, and giving access to technologies that enable every person, organization, and community to create positive global change. Learn more here.
The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental health care, teaching, and research hospitals and is home to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Brockville Mental Health Centre, the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health, and the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. Through dedication and advocacy, we are expanding access to a comprehensive, evidenced-based continuum of care that meets the needs of those with mental health and substance use issues and the families who support them. Click here to learn more about The Royal, our suite of services, and our impact.
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