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.
17th Annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction
Join us on Thursday, October 16, 2025, for a night of celebration and inspiration at The Westin, Pittsburgh. The Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction is an annual event co-hosted by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health to honor the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations in building better communities.
Learn more about Celebrating Champions here or contact Debbie Panei, director of development, UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524 or paneid@upmc.edu.
Proceeds
Proceeds from Celebrating Champions will be shared between the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care program, in support of senior residents who have outlived their financial resources, and the Making Minds Matter Fund at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, which provides for enhanced patient and family experiences for those navigating mental health challenges.
Since 2009, the event has raised more than $2.9 million to further charitable care.
“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.
