Galyna Sergienko, Head of the Behavioral Health and Telehealth Department at the Alliance for Public Health, is the author of Drugstore, a unique project created to support young people who experiment. Its implementation began 6 years ago and is still popular and in great demand.
The Drugstore offers innovative services: online and offline counseling, sexual and mental health support, nightlife safety, and harm reduction. This project has long been an important resource for young people seeking help and knowledge in difficult situations.
The conversation with VirusOFF occurred on the eve of the XVII National LGBTIQ+ Conference, where Drugstore will present its latest digital developments. The interview focuses on the project’s achievements, work in the war, cooperation with LGBTIQ+ communities, and plans.
Galyna, thank you for finding time for this conversation. Let’s start with the main thing: what were the achievements and challenges of the Drugstore project in 2024?
Galyna: Thank you for the invitation. If we talk about our achievements, the most important thing is that we managed to keep all our services and improve them even during the war. We continue to provide consultations during offline party events and support our community.
One of the important achievements of this year was the expansion of lectures among educational institutions and free consultations with psychologists, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists. We also organized therapeutic groups for young people to support and integrate their psychedelic experience. Currently, we have a team of highly qualified specialists with unique experience working with young people on the topics of substances and mental health.
How have the needs of your audience changed in recent years? What trends do you notice?
Galyna: We have seen a significant increase in anxiety and depression among young people, which is not surprising in a time of war. For example, a study by the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv showed that the level of depression among students increased by 30%.
There are also more inquiries about gender identity and sexual orientation. These are important topics that young people are discussing more and more often, and we respond to these requests, in particular, by holding lectures at schools and universities.
What key initiatives were implemented this year?
Galyna: Among the most interesting things is the launch of free consultations with a sexologist, a psychiatrist, and an addiction specialist. In addition, we have updated the Drugstore mobile app, adding features such as access to educational videos on mental health, sexuality education, and psychoactive substances. Also, you can receive a Party Box—a harm reduction kit that is very popular among drug users.
Drugstore is often called a unique project. Do you cooperate with LGBTIQ+ organizations in Ukraine?
Galyna: Yes, as part of our chemsex program, we work with men who have sex with men who use psychoactive substances to change or improve their sexual experience. Also, in the main program for young people, 30% of participants are representatives of the LGBTQ+ community.
We also cooperate with party and festival organizers, whose audience also includes representatives of different communities. In particular, in 2024, we provided support to more than 70 electronic music events. Such events create a space for freedom and self-expression for young people who sometimes face double stigma, either because of their identity or behavioral patterns.
The XVII National LGBTQ+ Conference is coming up soon. How will the Drugstore be represented there?
Galyna: At the conference, we will showcase digital solutions developed by the Alliance for Public Health, of which the Drugstore project is a part. These are our website, updated mobile application, and interactive services. We will demonstrate how digital solutions can be used to reach key populations, offering inclusive and safe services to everyone, regardless of age, orientation, or needs.
What are the project’s plans for the next year?
Galyna: We plan to continue developing our educational lecture program, sharing our unique experience with educational institutions, volunteers, and teachers, and of course, improving our basic services.
Thank you for the conversation! Is there anything else you would like to emphasize?
Galyna: Yes, I would like to draw attention to the rights of young people. During the war, basic self-help and prevention skills are often forgotten. We see a huge gap in this aspect when we give lectures in different cities. More efforts are needed to support young people at this level.