UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation

Meet Everlena, who reminds us to "keep pushing forward." ?? The Lorraine Willams Peer Scholarship honors a cherished Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS) staff person at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Awarded annually, this scholarship supports CRS patients who are going to school or pursuing vocational training. Four scholarships in three categories were awarded in December 2024. Everlena, the 2024 Advocate Scholarship recipient, is a mother, a widower, and advocate, a Carlow University graduate, and so much more. "We all have challenges, and we must keep pushing forward,” Everlena expresses. “My future is to continue advocating for myself and others. Some people don’t have the right people in their lives to advocate for them. It’s a blessing that I can be a resource.” With a strong support system of family, friends, UPMC Western Behavioral Health staff, and those at her church, Everlena is empowered to be herself and help others. Being nominated by her peers is profoundly meaningful to Everlena. She says, “It speaks volumes. When you advocate for others, you never know who you are going to impact or who notices. Now I know people are witnessing this.” Everlena is proud to note that she celebrated 29 years clean on March 19, 2025. To support the Lorraine Williams Peer Scholarship, or for more information, call 412-246-6614, email [email protected], or visit UPMC.com/MakingMindsMatter. ? Thanks to our campaign partners for their support of this scholarship fund. UPMC Health Plan Community Care Behavioral Health Organization

Join Us Mental Health and Student-Athletes: Red Flags, Roles, Responses There is still time to register for our second symposium on mental health and student-athletes. The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, Staunton Farm Foundation, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, and UPMC Sports Medicine present a free educational symposium for middle school, high school, and college level coaches as well as athletic trainers of all sports, athletic directors, administrators, school counselors, and teachers. Learn how to support your student-athletes’ mental health and offer resources to keep them on a successful track. Thursday, April 3, 2025 PPG Paints Arena, FNB Club 1001 5th Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Registration/Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Program: 8:10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Lunch (optional): 12:15 a.m. Note: CEUs will be available for certified athletic trainers. Register here: https://lnkd.in/er6dgxz7 Questions? Email [email protected].

Riverstone Books hosted a fantastic book fair this week at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital for employees to purchase books for themselves and to donate books to inpatient units throughout the hospital. Thank you to the Employee Engagement and Wellness Council at the hospital for organizing this great event to the benefit of individuals receiving care at Western. Additionally, Riverstone is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Making Minds Matter Fund at UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation.

With gratitude, we present our 2025 Making Minds Matter magazine, a summary of the past year’s activity and a testament to the impact of our collective efforts in support of behavioral health. https://lnkd.in/eh7UtUFM Deborah Brodine, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Marianne Cornetti, Maria DeSimone Prascak, Victoria Blosser, Noelle Conover, Matt's Maker Space, Krista Lion, Anne Fullenkamp, Abigail Schlesinger, Jacki Faircloth, Jeremy Wanless, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Micayla Reynolds, MT-BC, UPMC Health Plan, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, WPXI-TV, iHeartRadio, Allen + Shariff Corporation, Gordon Food Service, Massaro Construction Group, Staples, Sarris Candies, Giant Eagle, Inc., Aramark, David Trotta, EdD, Danielle Ruffing, Leanna Goldman, Roy Chengappa, Nancy Gale, CPRP, Lori Tinlin, Cheryl Germany, Gatter & Diehl, Inc. Professional Engineers

MARK YOUR CALENDAR ? "Marianne Cornetti and Friends" Benefit Concert and Art Auction Sunday, June 8 3 p.m. Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland ? Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of Broadway selections with internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano Marianne Cornetti, featured guest performer, Joe Serafini, and other guest artists. Joe Serafini is an actor, singer, and musician best known for his role as Seb on the Disney+ hit, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” A theatre kid from Pittsburgh who resides in New York City, Joe grew up playing piano and performing on stages regionally from a very young age. He has performed his own solo shows in concerts across the country and is releasing his own original music on all streaming platforms. Additionally, UPMC Western peers who use music as part of their recovery, peer specialists, and members of the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies team will grace the Carnegie stage. Browse an art auction in the grand foyer outside the concert hall showcasing pieces of well-known artists and UPMC Western peers. Art auction chair and artist Maria DeSimone Prascak will complete a live painting on stage, which will be included in the art auction. Thank you to event sponsors UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Community Care Behavioral Health Organization,?WPXI-TV, and iHeartRadio. Their support enhances experiences and opportunities for patients and families across the Western Behavioral Health network. ? General tickets: $45 ? Student tickets: $20 ? VIP reception after concert: $30 To purchase: visit https://lnkd.in/ewaCmtMw, call 412-246-6614, or text 2025MMM to 76278.

A Different Kind of Birthday Gift “Hello! My name is Morgan Tinlin, and I am a senior at Moon Area High School. For my November birthday, I would like to set up a drive for UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, and I would like to focus on collecting items for the teen and child units. Many patients come into the hospital with nothing, so anything you are willing to donate will make an impact and put a smile on someone’s face!” So read the opening paragraph of the flier that Morgan put together and distributed throughout her community ahead of her 18th birthday last fall. This was the second year that Morgan organized a drive for hospital inpatients. She was inspired to do so by the care a family member received at Western. Morgan attached a slogan to the drive, “Breaking the Stigma,” to call attention to the barrier that inhibits support for individuals with mental health conditions. “It could happen to any of us. People don’t like to think about that, so they distance themselves,” said Morgan. “But there is help, and there are people who are thinking about you.” Year two of the drive was so successful that donations filled an SUV and a truck to the brim with items like gently used and new clothing, shoes, art supplies, hygiene products, blankets, and card games. “The hospital is very welcoming place,” said Morgan. “It makes me happy to know that these are the people helping my loved ones.” Please join us in thanking Morgan and wishing her well as her high school years come to a close. Her empathy suggests a bright future.?

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Merchandise Now on Sale through July 15! Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is September. Specially branded merchandise, which includes new items and a refreshed design for 2025, is available for purchase now. Items will ship to your address in late August. By participating in the sale, you are raising awareness and supporting those impacted by suicide or who may be struggling. These pieces are conversation starters and a means to connect with other affected individuals across the system and in the community. There are three ways to order: Scan the QR code. Visit https://lnkd.in/eyGxyKgZ. Call 412-246-6614. The last day to order is July 15, 2025. Questions? Email [email protected].?

Join Us Mental Health and Student-Athletes: Red Flags, Roles, Responses Registration is now open for our second symposium on mental health and student-athletes. The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, Staunton Farm Foundation, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, and UPMC Sports Medicine present a free educational symposium for middle school, high school, and college level coaches as well as athletic trainers of all sports, athletic directors, administrators, school counselors, and teachers. Learn how to support your student-athletes’ mental health and offer resources to keep them on a successful track. Thursday, April 3, 2025 PPG Paints Arena, FNB Club 1001 5th Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Registration/Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Program: 8:10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Lunch (optional): 12:15 a.m. Note: CEUs will be available for certified athletic trainers. Register here: https://lnkd.in/er6dgxz7 Questions? Email [email protected].

Antoine Douaihy, MD, senior academic director, Addiction Medicine Services, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, has been engaged in life-saving treatment locally, nationally, and internationally from more than 25 years. Cited in this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article about binge drinking and college students, he remains an important voice in the field of addiction medicine.?

In Session: Meditation and Mindfulness Every Tuesday, Ali Popivchak, Yoga Therapist II, Creative Expression and Arts Therapy, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, hosts a community yoga session for interested patients and staff. As a proponent of access, Ali welcomes anyone, at any level of mobility, to her yoga sessions. Thanks to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the newly renovated Pittsburgh Penguins Recreation and Wellness Center provides a perfect atmosphere and welcoming space for the weekly yoga sessions. Ali encourages us all to pause and take a few deep breathes before moving forward with our day.