The Making Minds Matter fund at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and UPMC Western Behavioral Health began in 2019.
A donor who wanted to support patient experiences and staff education made a generous gift. Since then, the fund has taken hold.
Making Minds Matter now has many campaigns to raise funds in support of patients and staff.
Thanks to the success of these efforts, the UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation was established in 2023 to increase awareness of mental health initiatives, reduce the stigma associated with mental health, solicit donations to improve the patient experience, educate the public and providers, and help advance public policy.
United Way Gifts
Making Minds Matter is a United Way agency. To donate, use contributor code 18208819 - UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital/Making Minds Matter Fund.
Visit the United Way website to learn more about directing gifts.
About your donation
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation gratefully accepts donations from families, friends, and community partners. Your gifts support successful outcomes for our patients and staff when and where they're most needed.
All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-800-732-0999 for official registration and financial information. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Volunteer
Give of your time to help with committees, events, or other tasks as needed. Learn more by visiting our site and selecting “Volunteer” under “Ways to Help.”
Merchandise
The Suicide Prevention Awareness merchandise sale is underway for 2025, featuring a new design on a long-sleeve white t-shirt, a short-sleeve black t-shirt, a ballcap, a planter with dirt and Forget-Me-Not seeds, a purple tie-dye t-shirt, and a black crewneck sweatshirt.
Order here.
Items will deliver prior to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September.
Thanks to all who support this initiative, which continues to raise awareness, broker important conversations, and provide needed funds to enhance patient experiences.
Community Fundraising Events
Individuals and families throughout our region affected by mental health challenges are connecting with our foundation to organize efforts and host events, large and small, within their communities in support of the Making Minds Matter Fund.
Interested? Connect with us.
A Night to Remember — and Then Some!
The 17th Annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction was an electrifying evening filled with heart, hope, and generosity! With the incredible support of our passionate sponsors and donors, we soared past expectations and raised more than $140,000 for two life-changing causes: The UPMC Western Behavioral Health Making Minds Matter Fund, and the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund.
Every ticket purchased, every bid placed, and every donation made helped fuel the future of compassionate care across our region. Your impact will echo through the lives of seniors and families navigating mental health challenges, ensuring that world-class healthcare remains within reach for all.
Looking Ahead: Save the Date!
We’re already planning a grand celebration for next year. Join us on October 14, 2026, at The Westin Pittsburgh for the 18th Annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Want to Get Involved?
Reach out to Debbie Panei, Director of Development, UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524 or paneid@upmc.edu to learn more.
Where Your Generosity Goes
Proceeds from Celebrating Champions directly support:
- UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Program — providing financial assistance to senior residents who have outlived their resources.
- Making Minds Matter Fund at UPMC Western Behavioral Health — enhancing care experiences for patients and families facing mental health challenges.
Since 2009, this event has raised over $3.1 million to uplift lives and expand access to charitable care. Together, we’re making a lasting difference.
“Second Chances Corner” Clothing Drive
Staff at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital have established “Second Chances Corner,” a closet of donated outerwear, clothing, and shoes for inpatients of all ages in need.
Oftentimes, individuals seeking treatment at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital arrive in crisis in clothing that falls outside the bounds of patient safety criteria, and many do not have supports in the community who are able to bring them hospital-appropriate clothing. To address this need, the Patient Experience Council at Western has organized a “closet” of donated apparel and shoes in a dedicated space on the hospital’s fourth floor called “Second Chances Corner.”
Learn how you can help stock the closet.
TAG™’s Adventure Therapeutic Activity Book
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TAG™’s Adventure is a fun, vibrant therapeutic activity book for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.
Created by staff at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, TAG™’s Adventure is 129-page adventure workbook filled with art, music, and play concepts. The book’s main character, TAG™ (Therapeutic Activity Guide) was inspired by a child’s first attempt at drawing.
The book features activities that help young people build confidence through simple directives and repetition. Alongside TAG™, children and teens can have fun by creating, exploring, and learning.
TAG™’s Adventure is available for purchase. To learn more, email MakingMindsMatter@upmc.edu.
Proceeds from the sale of TAG™’s Adventure benefit UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation.
Support a Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health Campaign
Making Minds Matter fundraising campaigns provide many ways to direct your support. Choose the one that best fits your interests.
