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.
How to Donate
About your donation
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital 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.
15th Annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, will commemorate fifteen years of honoring esteemed individuals and organizations for achievements in creating better communities. Co-hosted by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health, the annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction will take place at the Westin Pittsburgh.
Greet honorees during a cocktail reception, place bids on items in a robust silent auction, purchase tickets for a month-long raffle of lavishly themed gift baskets and enjoy a superb dinner. The highlight of the evening is the awards presentation which recognizes the extraordinary impact that this year’s honorees have made to the quality of life in our region.
2023 Champions
GRAND CHAMPION
Antoine Douaihy, MD
Medical Director
Senior Academic Director, Addiction Medicine Services
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Dr. Douaihy has focused his career on patient care, education, advocacy, and research in the field of addiction, psychology of behavior change, motivational interviewing, and HIV. He has received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching and mentorship.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Achieva
Stephen H. Suroviec
President and CEO
Supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities and their families, the vision of Achieva is to build a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.
CAREGIVER CHAMPION
Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dean Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
Dr. Dunbar-Jacob has played a prominent role in the nursing community, shaping generations of caregivers. She has had significant impact on our community broadly and specifically to the psychiatric mental health nurse community.
2023 tickets are on sale now!
Contact Deborah Panei, director of development, to sponsor, reserve a table, or secure tickets at 412-864-3524 or paneid@upmc.edu.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two outstanding charitable causes: the UPMC Western Behavioral Health Making Minds Matter Fund and the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund.
Since 2009, the event has presented more than $2 million in net proceeds to further charitable care.
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.
Other Ways to Give
- A cash gift is the most common form of giving. We can accept cash, check, or credit card. Cash donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
- A recurring cash gift is an easy way to spread out your gift. You decide your monthly donation amount, and we'll automatically charge your credit card each month afterward.
- A commemorative gift shows someone how much you care. It's a thoughtful way to memorialize or honor a loved one or friend. You'll also provide help and hope to those we serve.
- Gifts-in-kind (non-cash) donations are another way to give. Donating a product or service is tax-deductible based on its fair market value.
Planned giving and bequests
Using life planning documents to support a cause is a very effective way to leave a legacy. It often allows for larger gifts.
A bequest through your will can reduce your taxable estate by either:
- A 100% deduction for the amount of a cash gift.
- The fair market value of appreciated assets.
Life insurance
Naming UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital as a life insurance beneficiary will give you a charitable income tax deduction. You can add us to your current paid life insurance policy or buy a new one.
We suggest you consult your tax or financial advisor for advice about your plan.
United Way Gifts
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is a United Way agency.
To donate, please use the following code:
253 - Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC.
Your Book/Code number is 18208819: This is the number you should give to donors to identify your organization in our system.
Visit the United Way website to learn more about directing gifts.

Employer gift matching
Some employers offer matching gifts, meaning they'll match some or all of what you donate.
Talk to your HR department if your company doesn't offer this benefit. Ask how to encourage them to start a matching gift program.
Raise funds
If you have the time and enthusiasm, plan and organize a drive to gather donations at your:
- Child's school.
- Work.
- Neighborhood.
Donate the proceeds to your favorite Making Minds Matter campaign or other cause.
No donation is too small.
Donate to research and training
In tandem with the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Psychiatry, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital:
- Conducts and applies state-of-the-art behavioral health research.
- Trains new doctors.
- Provides clinical services in an academic setting.
To learn more about supporting research and training, contact MakingMindsMatter@upmc.edu or call 412-246-6614.