Spring 2021

MAGAZINE

from idays the Hol GIFT DRIVE IS MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Visit us at UPMCWesternPsychiatricHospital.com or call 412-647-1000 In This Issue / Table of Contents Letter from the President

From UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital to UPMC Western “Anything that’s human is Behavioral Health, Services Abound at UPMC ...... 4 mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health Fund Takes Hold . . . . 6 manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become From DEC to PES with Help from Many ...... 8 less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” Making Minds Matter Raffle Raises Awareness and Funds ...... 10 – Fred Rogers Heroes Tickets Awarded to Frontline Staff ...... 13 Inaugural Lorraine Williams Peer Scholarship ...... 14 Dear Friends, Peer Specialists Support Recovery ...... 16

Holiday Gift Giving Drive Launched ...... 18 t is with tremendous pride that we introduce the inaugural edition of Meet Will Aikins ...... 21 the Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health magazine. IAdvocating for patients and families throughout their mental health journeys Donors ...... 23 is an important means of supporting their recovery. Sharing our many patient success stories is critical to overcoming the stigma associated with mental health Donations are being Accepted ...... 23 and the treatments for these conditions. We hope this publication will help to expand awareness and community engagement on behalf of the one in every Music Mends Minds ...... 24 five Americans who experience some form of mental illness.

Meet Anne Alter ...... 25 With that in mind, we created the Making of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC,

Our Partners in Fundraising ...... 26 Models by Posed Photos, Stock Minds Matter Fund, started by a generous and the individuals and organizations donor and supported by various fundraising who have supported Making Minds campaigns, to raise dollars and awareness Matter, collectively we are focused on Help Make a Difference ...... 27 related to the mental health needs of the importance of mental health and children, adolescents, adults, and seniors on raising the funds that will be used to who we serve at UPMC Western Psychiatric enhance patient experiences and assist Hospital, and across the breadth of UPMC with employee educational opportunities. Western Behavioral Health.

We hope you find these stories of our efforts during 2020 meaningful and informative. From our Making Minds Matter initiatives, to our partnerships with UPMC Deborah S. Brodine, MBA, MHA Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, President, UPMC Western Behavioral the Medical Health Sciences Foundation Health and Senior Services President, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

2 3 INPATIENT UNITS: 1 UPMC Western Psychiatric 251 Psych Beds From UPMC Western 2 UPMC Altoona 34 Psych Beds UPMC Western Behavioral 3 UPMC Chautauqua 15 Chem Dep Beds 4 UPMC Chautauqua 30 Psych Beds Psychiatric Hospital to Health Network 5 UPMC Divine Providence 21 Psych Beds 6 UPMC McKeesport Detox 27 Psych Beds 8 7 UPMC McKeesport 37 Psych Beds UPMC Western 90 8 UPMC Mercy Detox 18 Psych Beds 81 Erie 9 UPMC Northwest 28 Psych Beds 3 86 3 4 86 2 86 10 UPMC Somerset 15 Psych86 Beds Behavioral Health, 90 8 New York 11 UPMC Western Maryland 19 Psych Beds 79 6 Pennsylvania 6 219 15 6 AMBULATORY LOCATIONS: Services Abound 8 6 6 1 Bellefield Towers, Oakland, PA 6 81 220 6 2 Franklin Building, Southside / Pittsburgh, PA at UPMC 3 Champion Commons, Garfield / Pittsburgh, PA 84 8 4 Oxford Building, Oakland, PA 9 476 84 28 9 81 84 84

Ohio 5 Pine Center, Wexford, PA 79 15 5 220 Pittsburgh219 6 UPMC Western Behavioral Health at East End, Pittsburgh, PA 380 80 80 UPMC Jameson Hospital Partial Program, New Castle, PA 220 Williamsport7 8 UPMC Chautauqua Outpatient Dunkirk Health Center, Dunkirk, NY 6 80 8 7 476 287 1 1 1 9 UPMC Susquehanna80 Williamsport Divine Providence Campus, 87 422 3 80 287 4 Williamsport, PA 8 81 80 95 76 80 422 10 UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Jameson, Jameson, PA 51 2 219 99 278 2 376 280 495 376 79 28 51 322 295 CRISIS SERVICES: 78 495 78 678 5 76 95 22 322 1 resolve Crisis Services, Pittsburgh, PA 422 2 4 81 287 376 2 Beaver78 Crisis, Beaver, PA 22 3 Pennsylvania 22 22 Harrisburg 3 Erie Crisis (Safe Harbor), Erie, PA 6 7 476 30 99 1 4 Altoona Crisis, Altoona, PA 95 Pittsburgh43 219 81 30 95 79 76 51 70 70 76 76 195 119 76 MENTAL HEALTH/INTELLECTUAL 4 1 10 30 83 DISABILITIES/DRUG & 76 30 30 476 295 43 30 ALCOHOL FACILITIES: 76 79 1 UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yough, McKeesport, PA 70 81 30 95 1 119 2 UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, Erie, PA Pennsylvania 42 3 UPMC Western Behavioral Health295 of the Alleghenies, Altoona, PA 11 68 West Virginia 68 Maryland 70 55 834 UPMC Western Behavioral95 Health at Twin Lakes, Somerset, PA 70 81 Adult Integrated Care13 Locations

ental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is the assessments are reviewed for management in United States. More than 50% of the population will be diagnosed primary provider of inpatient behavioral an outpatient or community-based setting. Joint with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetimes. health care for western Pennsylvania and is programming with UPMC Children’s and UPMC M the flagship of UPMC Western Behavioral Magee provides the behavioral health services to According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five Health. It is a national leader in providing best support children and women with their mental Americans will experience mental illness in any given year. One in five children, practice, research-based care, and a broad health needs. either currently or at some point in their lives, will have serious debilitating array of innovative psychiatric and addiction mental illness. One in 25 Americans live with serious mental illness, such services for all ages at every stage of their UPMC Western Behavioral Health encompasses as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Half of all chronic recovery. With 251 licensed psychiatric beds, the services available across the UPMC system. mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24. Suicide UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital admits more With 490 licensed psychiatric inpatient beds is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 years. More than 7% of than 6,500 patients of all ages on a annual basis. across nine UPMC hospitals, more than the population above the age of 12 experiences substance abuse disorder. For patients who come through the Psychiatric 12,700 children through seniors are admitted Emergency Services department, more than to inpatient care. Additionally, supporting These statistics represent the patients served by UPMC Western Behavioral 14,000 assessments are performed annually. outpatient services cover many counties Health though inpatient and residential treatment, emergency psychiatric When not admitted for inpatient care, the throughout western Pennsylvania. services and crisis centers, outpatient services, and therapists based in private pediatric and primary care community providers.

4 5

Following the loss of her husband, James G. Making Succop, to Huntington’s Disease in 2019, at Western Behavioral Carole realized the time had come to do so. That same year, she made a generous donation Health Fund Takes Hold of comfortable chairs and beds for the waiting room in honor of James. “What better way to leave a legacy in memory of my husband? Elizabeth A Sysak, Ph.D. senior director Clinical Services, Minds I know that Jim is looking down on me and Carole Succup, donor, and Camellia Herisko, chief nursing officer smiling,” reflects Carole. vice president of Operations and Patient Care Services

Little did Carole know that this donation not only provided new chairs for the newly Throughout the course of 2020 and early 2021, Matter designed Psychiatric Emergency Services during a particularly challenging year dominated area, it also planted the seed for what was by COVID-19 restrictions, the Making Minds to become the Making Minds Matter at UPMC Matter Fund has taken root. Four campaigns Western Behavioral Health Fund, supporting were implemented towards the expansion of the enhancement of patient experiences and our grass-roots efforts to elevate awareness employee education. of mental health needs and raise financial resources benefitting the patients and employees of UPMC Western Behavioral Health. These include “Groceries, Gas, or Cash!,” “The Lorraine Williams Peer Scholarship,” “Holidays from the Heart,” and “Music Mends Minds.”

Carole’s loving example and words will continue to inspire future Making Minds Matter campaigns.

he creation of the Making Minds Matter “I am glad that I took the opportunity to make this Fund started with a very special donor contribution to Western Psychiatric Hospital. There Tlooking to ease difficult experiences for is not a better feeling on this earth than to personally patients and families seeking assistance through witness the fruits of your efforts and to know that UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s emergency you are having a positive impact on other people’s services. Carole Succop has assisted family lives in a time of need.” and friends on several occasions through Carole Succop this process. “I could not help noticing how Donor uncomfortable the furniture was in the waiting room of the emergency department. I resolved later that if the opportunity presented itself, I would like to do something to make the waiting rooms more comfortable.”

6 7 With input from many stakeholders, patients and families, staff, Allegheny County, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH), and many others, a newly designed department was located on the fifth floor of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital with “We were very fortunate to be able to quick access parking, making it unique to the region renovate the Psychiatric Emergency FROM DEC and resulting in shorter lengths of stay, and improved Services space for our patients and families. patient satisfaction. Additionally, a new name was selected, We took the feedback that we received from Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), to better reflect TO PES our consumers and created a psychiatric the scope of services to available 24/7 to patients and emergency space that is therapeutic for families of all ages. different populations in need of emergency WITH HELP services. We are proud to be able to support people with mental health issues in the PES, FROM MANY which is usually the start to their recovery.” Camellia Herisko Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Operations NEW PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY and Patient Care Services SERVICES (PES) HAS MUCH TO OFFER

• Only local site with access to a psychiatrist around the clock, daily he Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC) at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital served individuals and families of all ages for decades providing • Complete multidisciplinary evaluations for all ages and conditions Texpert, compassionate care for psychiatric emergencies and crises. • Separate entrance and exit to facilitate patient flow With more than 14,000 patients annually utilizing these services, efforts • Three separate milieu areas with dedicated treatment rooms including began to reimagine how these services could be delivered in a larger and a dedicated area for children and adolescents more inviting environment, maximizing staff resources allowing for an • Staff station allowing for visualization to all milieus improved patient experiences. “People come to us on the worst day of heir life and we have an obligation to provide them with support and • Nutrition room with healthy snacks comfort because they are already dealing with enough,” says Elizabeth • Interactive activities for children and adolescents Sysak, senior director, Clinical Services, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. • Diverse, colorful murals and artwork • Chairs that easily convert to beds for comfortable waiting

8 9 Making Minds Matter Raffle Raises Awareness

and Funds “When we learned about the Making Minds Matter campaign, we knew Some purchasers even went in as a group to secure a ticket, supporting a cause that increases like the behavioral health staff at UPMC Jameson who provide awareness of mental health was too around-the-clock coverage for hospital patients and families important not to participate.” s the first initiative in need of services. Says April Cosgrove, evaluator clinician under the umbrella and self-described department “mom,” I thought it would be Joe and Alice Burke Aof “Making Minds great to support the cause, and we all pitched in. As a group, Community members Matter,” the Groceries, Gas, we see the need, and we value the opportunities this fund or Cash! raffle for $15,000 might create.” in Giant Eagle groceries Campaign partners Giant Eagle, Giant Eagle Pharmacies, raised $55,000 in support and WPXI provided support and media exposure which of enhanced patient laid the foundation for the campaign. Giant Eagle promoted experiences and employee “Making Minds Matter” at 107 of their pharmacy locations, education for UPMC while WPXI ran more than 1,000 public service announcements Western Behavioral Health. over three channels. Darren Moore, director of sales, WPXI, said in support of the campaign, “It’s WPXI’s goal to keep The campaign cast a wide “I believe people with mental health our community informed and get involved in solutions to net, with ticket purchasers issues and the medical personnel that reaching out from across challenges that impact our region. We appreciate the care for them are underfunded, work UPMC has done in this space, and we’re glad to the region, from Erie to underserved, and underpaid. During partner with UPMC and Giant Eagle on this initiative.” Altoona to western my career at UPMC, I’ve had a lot of interaction with the Western Maryland to Wellsboro. The “Making Minds Matter” raffle got underway in August Psychiatric employees, and they 2020 and continued to gain momentum right through the do great work. I purchased the raffle run-up to the ticket drawing on January 22 of this year. With tickets to support both patients guidance from Cindy Citrone, CEO of Citrone 33 Foundation, and staff.” the campaign took hold. Generous funding came from campaign sponsors UNPACK U, UPMC Health Plan, Paula M. McGrath, BSN, RN Aramark, Omnicell, the Fine Foundation, Forbes Medical Policy Administration Pharmacy, Champion Commons, and Gordon Foods. UPMC Health Plan

Additionally, the campaign included a special opportunity for “Heroes Sponsors” to underwrite the cost of raffle tickets purchased on behalf of staff. This prospect resonated with sponsors who were eager to give back to front-line staff providing patient care. Seventy-six “Heroes” tickets were distributed in conjunction with employee recognition programs across the UPMC Western Behavioral Health network. Among this group of benefactors were Sunovion, AIS Solutions, Inc., UNPACK U, Dr. Trevor and Mrs. Trevor

Macpherson, and several anonymous private donors. Stock Photos, Posed by Models by Posed Photos, Stock Throughout the course of the raffle campaign, individual ticket purchasers expressed time and again an understanding of the importance of the cause. Kathleen Prutting is coordinator

10 11 for ambulatory and community behavioral health services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. She stands out as the first raffle ticket purchaser for this initial campaign. Says Press Ganey provides the management Heroes Tickets Awarded of UPMC hospital patient satisfaction Kathleen, “I never realized how many people are affected surveys and compilation of results by mental health disorders until I started working at Western. to Frontline Staff throughout the year. I continue to be impressed by the passion and dedication of our staff, and I am only too happy to contribute to the support “Making Minds Matter” Heroes Sponsors funded the purchase of 76 raffle of this essential work.” tickets awarded to frontline staff. Specific employee-beneficiaries were “I started my UPMC career as identified through a variety of existing employee recognition programs that an HR generalist with Western The genuine excitement leading up to the final day of the acknowledge staff who have distinguished themselves among their peers or Psychiatric Hospital, where I saw first- raffle was matched by the great surprise of our raffle winner, supervisors for their commitment to patient care, attention to safety, patient An annual award that rewards top hand the good work being done to help advocacy, and teamwork. Heroes tickets were presented to these honorees as performers who excel at demonstrating Jolene Young, a clinical educator for surgical services at UPMC’s core values. support behavioral health. I also chair UPMC Altoona. “It is a pleasure to support the Making an extra gesture of gratitude for a job well done. the UPMC’s Information Services Minds Matter fundraiser,” said a grateful Jolene. “In this Additionally, the patient satisfaction survey process administered by health Division Women in IT external time in our lives, supporting mental health programs is outreach subcommittee where, over care company Press Ganey was used to include other frontline staff who were paramount. Making Minds Matter initiatives support patients the past three years, I have gained identified by name, directly by patients and families, for their exceptional and employee education — two key areas which make a much more awareness of the heavy work. Says Deborah Brodine, president of Western Psychiatric Hospital significant difference. Thank you for working so hard to and Western Behavioral Health, “We are so grateful to our Making Minds An award that recognizes the proactive need in our community for assistance contributions made by our staff to support such important programs.” Matter Heroes Sponsors for giving us the opportunity to and support.” support patients, staff, and visitor safety acknowledge the hard work and compassion exemplified by reporting near misses, close calls, or This enthusiastic response fuels ongoing efforts to Julie A Prough by our frontline employees during a particularly unsafe conditions and promoting staff suggestions for safety improvements. Director, ISD grow the “Making Minds Matter” Fund at UPMC Western difficult year.” This mechanism truly provided UPMC Enterprise Behavioral Health. This year’s “Groceries, Gas, or Cash!” a way to include our team members in the excitement Business Services raffle launches in August.To reserve your ticket email associated with the campaign. [email protected] or call Making Minds Matter at 412-246-6614. Toni Morris, office assistant for the Narcotic Addiction Treatment Program, was the recipient of a Heroes ticket. Said Toni, “Being part of this was A quarterly award that recognizes fun and exciting, but I’m a winner already because direct care staff for providing someone chose me for all my hard work and let me exceptional care, empathy, and Campaign Partners know that I’m appreciated.” compassion.

A quarterly award that recognizes “I bought a ticket because Forbes nurses for providing extraordinary Pharmacy at UPMC Western compassionate and skillful care. Psychiatric Hospital is one of the Campaign Sponsors locations that my team manages, so ABOVE & I definitely wanted to offer support to the mental health community. BEYOND A quarterly award to I thought it was such a great cause recognize employees and worth the $100 donation.” who go out of their way Champion to Provide service Emily Czapko Commons above and beyond the Manager, Business Operations expectations of our patients, their guests, UPMC Community Pharmacies and one another. Heroes Sponsors Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Macpherson

ACES Award winner Krystal Bridges, staff nurse, CADD

12 13 R Lorraine Williams E E P Meet part of Making Minds Matter LELAINE NELSON scholarship supporting education and training for patients followed by Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS) of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, established in Amemory of a cherished CRS staff person and peer, has its inaugural recipient. Lelaine Nelson, certified peer specialist and CRS staff member, was awarded the scholarship at the most recent Annual Schizophrenia Conference.

Named in honor of former CRS outpatient with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, administrative assistant Lorraine Williams, and other psychotic illnesses including bipolar this scholarship is for CRS patients who are disorders with psychosis. Dr. Gannon regarded INAUGURAL going to school or pursuing vocational training Lorraine as a “jack of all trades” who stepped either for the purposes of gaining employment in where needed and helped advance initiatives or advancing in their employment. Recipients like the transportation program, the food bank, should also serve as role models to others and the medical resident program in addition with mental illness. to scheduling, fielding calls, and supporting the ebb and flow of any given day at the clinic. LorrainePeer Williams Scholarship Lorraine Williams was the long-time face of the CRS outpatient clinic, and her 25-year Says Dr. Gannon, “Lorraine was extremely AWARDED career was representative of the social and bright. She felt very strongly about helping educational mission of the clinic. She was to create the next generation of psychiatrists a champion of early peer services, passionate and was equally passionate about helping about competitive employment, and espoused patients find their way in their day-to-day that her career was integral to her own mental lives. She had a quiet confidence that was health recovery. respectful, calm but firm, almost motherly. She was really skillful and applied things she She served in many roles over her time had learned in her own recovery to the benefit at Western Psychiatric Hospital, including of so many people.” as assistant to Dr. Jessica Gannon, Medical Director for Ambulatory Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS), which provides comprehensive specialized services to adults

14 15 Peer Specialists Support Recovery

Awardee Lelaine will use the $500 scholarship towards the pursuit of her master’s degree in leadership studies in project management at Geneva College. “I am in a leadership and finance course right now. My aspiration is to PMC Western Psychiatric Hospital become a project manager,” says Lelaine, who (WPH) and UPMC Western Behavioral expressed that she was surprised, honored, (WBH) share a commitment to and thankful to be this year’s recipient. U recovery that goes well beyond clinical Lelaine was nominated by two CRS staff interventions. In fact, “Recovery Services” workers who recognized her as an inspiration is an entire department devoted to this and role model, empowering others to continue process. Peer specialists, individuals with in their recovery journey, much like Lorraine “lived experiences” who have succeeded Williams herself, who viewed her work as a in their own recovery from mental health means to “pay it forward.” CRS staff members and/or substance use disorders, play a will nominate potential scholarship recipients vital role in this aspect. Based on a larger, throughout the year. A committee of peers, nationally recognized model of successful therapists, physicians, administrative staff, and treatment, WPH and WBH have embraced others will meet each fall to name a winner, this opportunity and have a burgeoning and the award will be announced annually at peer specialist program in place. the Schizophrenia Conference.

The Lorraine Williams Scholarship perpetuates Stock Photo, Posed by Models Lorraine’s legacy of helping others. Donations in honor of Lorraine specific to the scholarship “Recovery is a culture empowering care, Services at UPMC “Peer specialists serve as inpatient and outpatient Says Keirston, “Their story made this initial award possible via the Making for both patients and rooted in respect. With Western Psychiatric a great bridge between the environments throughout provides hope like nothing Minds Matter Fund, which enhances patient staff,” says Keirston the understanding that Hospital, describes it, patient and the treatment the WPH/WBH network else. Peer specialists are experiences and employee education across Parham, Recovery self-awareness and introducing and growing team. They help the patient of services. the living, breathing face UPMC Western Behavioral Health. Services Coordinator. self-determination peer support services engage successfully with of recovery. Patients can Peer specialists help To donate in any denomination to the It’s a way of life that are resources in across behavioral health treatment and with the emulate them and take educate staff about barriers Lorraine Williams Peer Scholarship, or for equips patients to cope recovery, peer has transformed care treatment plan,” says steps forward without even to treatment and recovery. more information, you can call Making and de-stress. We know specialists support at large from a purely Dr. Beckjord. knowing it. Speaking from They model successful Minds Matter at 412-246-6614, email medication doesn’t patients from the medical model to more experience, I did not like Peer support was introduced recovery for both staff [email protected], or visit do it all. Recovery is perspective of having holistic recovery model, myself until I met someone to WPH in 1992. The and patients. As patient upmc.com/MakingMindsMatter. our responsibility endured similar with excellent result. Data who was like me. And I was role was elevated to the advocates, they help to wellness.” experiences. Their role shows that the integration scared to talk, even though professional, paid position individuals navigate is non-clinical, but they of peer support staff has it hurt to keep it in. I met Recovery Services of peer specialist in 2012. resources, identify triggers, are integrated fully into resulted in the reduction someone else who shared, strives to promote Currently there are 65 peer and create crisis prevention the treatment team. of hospital admissions, and it taught me to share wellness by delivering specialists, certified peer plans. Additionally, their time spent in hospitals, more meaningfully with my strength-based, As Dr. Jennifer specialists, and navigators example reduces the stigma overdoses, and relapses therapist. It’s like the first individualized, non- Beckjord, Senior (specific to addiction of mental illness, which is while increasing time you take a breath.” judgmental, Director of Clinical recovery) embedded across an impediment to recovery. participation in treatment.

16 17 Holiday Gift Giving Drive Launched

Dressed resplendently as Mrs. Claus, Marianne arrived with Santa himself (in the person of fellow opera singer Kevin Glavin), a full complement of elves, and a sleigh overflowing with gift bags stuffed with blankets, cozy socks, Legos, Slime, puzzles, and bracelets for more ou might think holiday spirit would be in short supply in the parking than 80 children and adolescents, who were FROM lot of a psychiatric hospital on a cold, grey December afternoon, but you’d receiving inpatient care during the 2020 holiday. Holidays THE Ybe wrong, as proved by Marianne Cornetti, internationally recognized The colorful costumes, sleigh, and gifts, along opera performer and artistic director of the Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Marianne with the warmth of those gathered, made for a part of Making Minds rallied her opera colleagues, friends, and family in launching a gift drive for child lovely holiday tableau. To add to the occasion, Matter and adolescent patients who spent their holiday in UPMC Western Psychiatric Marianne’s and Kevin’s voices rang out in Hospital. For anyone who was fortunate enough to attend the gift presentation song as they performed a few holiday that afternoon, the result was unforgettable. classics to the delight of staff.

18 19 Marianne knew that this shared experience would be especially meaningful for Will, who had spent time himself as an inpatient at UPMC Western Psychiatric Meet Hospital a few years earlier. As Will describes it, he WILL was a college freshman when he first began suffering the debilitating effects of Bipolar 1 Disorder. When the AIKINS situation was at its most chaotic, Will says he was very Among the enthusiastic fortunate that “many incredible people in my life were committed to seeing that I got treatment,” especially group who took part in this his parents. special event was 23-year-old Being an inpatient “was scary at first, and the Will Aikins, who donned an treatment can be hard, but the truth is that Western elf suit to help deliver and Psychiatric Hospital changed my life,” explained Will. “I was overwhelmed that so many people here cared assemble the wonderful about me personally. Dr. (James) Tew, the staff, my peer mentor — they helped me find my center, what In a year where cultural entities like the presentation of gifts that day. was important to me, and my reason for getting better,” Pittsburgh Festival Opera were hard hit by Will and his family, including Will explained. the COVID-19 pandemic, Marianne felt compelled dad Bill, mom Maria, and to apply their energies to easing a difficult time Following his hospitalization, Will continued with for others. “As an artistic director of a non-profit, brothers Colin and Austin, outpatient care, including interpersonal and social we are often in the position of looking for have known Marianne Cornetti rhythm therapy (IPSRT), developed in part here at donations,” said Marianne. “When COVID hit, Western Psychiatric Hospital, which serves as a we decided the best we could do was to give since Colin began his training bridge back to everyday life. Additionally, he credits back. And it all came together here at Western in opera some eight years Dr. Boris Birmaher, the director of the Child and Psychiatric Hospital.” ago. Will felt passionate about Adolescent Bipolar Spectrum Services and Will’s “It was meant to be,” explained Marianne, outpatient psychiatrist, with the long-term success who plans to continue as the gift campaign’s sharing his own journey with of his treatment. chairperson in 2021. The campaign is now mental health and his time as Currently, Will is in his final year of undergraduate officially called “Holidays from the Heart” under an inpatient at UPMC Western studies at St. Vincent College. He is passionate about the umbrella fundraising name of “Making Minds sharing his message of recovery and hope, humbly Matter.” Next year, the gift drive will expand to Psychiatric Hospital. inspired by those whose devotion to his well-being include all 251 inpatients at Western Psychiatric made it possible for him to move forward in life with Hospital, which is no small task. a sense of purpose and possibility. Inspired by this generosity, Scott Lammie, Says Will, “This larger conversation is very important Senior Vice President, Business Development, to me. We’ve come so far in understanding the scope UPMC Insurance Services Division, paved the of mental health issues, but we need to humanize those way for an additional monetary donation in of us with these disorders. We need to make sure these people know that they matter, that they can get better, that there is hope. We have the power. And it’s really love that makes all the difference.”

20 21 INDIVIDUAL DONORS Dr. John Barber Jim and Kelly Gezo Nancy Maultsby Nanci Case Jim and Karen Gezo Dr. Eugene Myers Rob Chafin Maribeth and Mickey Knaub Bruce and Ginny Myers Marianne Cornetti Carol Knox Anita Samartino Matthew Cornetti Cliff Koloski Jim and Karen Wantland Barb and Denny Cornetti Brian Kontes Corey Wingard Mark and Nasheel Cornetti Susan and Scott Lammie Annette Woods

ORGANIZATION DONORS Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBH)

PERFORMERS AND STAGING Marianne Cornetti Gracie Cornetti Denny and Barb Cornetti Kevin Glavin Mary Kate Cornetti Doreen Blackburn Rob Frankenberry Will Aikins Dave Christy

support of the gift drive from Community Care Said Deborah Brodine, President of UPMC Behavioral Health Organization, the UPMC Western Psychiatry and Western Behavioral DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED Health Plan program that provides behavioral Health, “It’s an incredible honor for this to THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2021 health coverage. This made it possible happen for our patients. About one-third of our to augment the bounty of gifts which inpatients are children and adolescents. Because The 2021 goal is to provide gift bags for all 251 inpatients, from children and were selected to be age appropriate for of the stigma associated with behavioral health adolescents through seniors. the entirety of the inpatient child and conditions, our patients are often overlooked. adolescent population. We are so grateful and pleased that you have The gift presentation and performance will take recognized us in this season and in this place Friday, December 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. challenging time.” SUGGESTED ITEMS INCLUDE AGE APPROPRIATE Brad Watkins, Lead Milieu Therapist with the inpatient autism unit, echoed Deborah’s blankets, socks with grippers, gloves, hats, coats, sentiments. puzzles, stress balls, crayons, drawing pads, coloring books, modeling clay, card games, board games, “Our children are curious; they have questions, “thinking” putty, Legos, journals, large print paperback and they can be tough questions, like, ‘Am I books, adult size clothing going to have a holiday?’ Today I get to go back to our kids and say, ‘Yes, you are!’ Because of people like you, your kind hearts, and your FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DONATING generosity, now our kids have something to TO THE CAMPAIGN OR BECOMING A SPONSOR: wake up to on holiday mornings, just like Call Making Minds Matter at 412-246-6614 every child should have.” Email [email protected] Visit upmc.com/MakingMindsMatter

WPH frontline staff Cydney Krol, Emily Brinker, Alexandra Baker, and Elizabeth Labacz

22 23 Meet Msi ANNE

part of Making Minds Matter ALTER Mends Minds nne Alter speaks with candor and gratitude when she recalls her first or a number of years, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s annual Aexperience as a performer in the schizophrenia conference has included a live concert from patients who annual schizophrenia conference concert have transformed the therapeutic benefits of music into performance. The as part of “Infinity,” the musical group put F together by international composer and results have been memorable and impactful. Harvesting the seeds of this success is “Music Mends Minds,” a burgeoning initiative under the umbrella of the larger conductor Flavio Chamis and Dr. Roy “Making Minds Matter” fundraising campaign of Western Behavioral Health (WBH). Chengappa, chief of Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS) at UPMC Western Psychiatric Flavio Chamis, international Hospital. She sang “Misheberach,” a song composer and conductor of prayer and healing in the Jewish faith, Roy Chengappa, MD is chief of Comprehensive Flavio has collaborated with Dr. Chengappa with a fellow musician and patient. “It was Recovery Services (CRS) at UPMC Western and his patients in prior performances at very harrowing because of my stage fright Psychiatric Hospital and is a proponent of the schizophrenia conference. Says Flavio, but also very emotional to have shared this music as a transformative, therapeutic “I became aware of similar programs experience for individuals pursuing treatment in other cities and thought ‘why not here?’ beautiful song,” says Anne. for mental health conditions. “Recovery It’s an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate from mental illness means different things the musicianship of these individuals. We to different people,” explains Dr. Chengappa. witness their resulting self-empowerment It’s not just the performance that shares. “There is so much that illness “Among the various therapies that might almost immediately, and they are provides a meaningful experience. Anne has taken from me, so much that I assist in recovery from mental illness, music strengthened by the process.” says that the rehearsals with her fellow can’t do. Music is one thing I can do, listening and performance and music as musicians allow her to be successful and do well.” therapy could have central roles. Music Select local professional musicians as part of a team. “We grow to rely As a person of many accomplishments creates strong connectedness to friends will provide back-up for performances. on each other in facing the challenges and interests, including actress, model, and family, offers realistic hope and Likewise, the initiative includes an music demands,” Anne recounts. “We teacher, dancer, writer, technician for optimism, provides meaning and purpose opportunity for interested patients to be all have our idiosyncrasies, our fears, theater and film, and musician, Anne in life, helps create self-confidence and mentored by local Pittsburgh musicians and our vulnerabilities. Flavio works defines herself by her creative and overcome stigma, and empowers people in their instrument of choice, including with us with infinite patience and makes artistic pursuits first and foremost. to take personal responsibility over their voice. As Dr. Chengappa points out, us feel special. We focus on the positive. She also identifies herself as someone mental health.” regardless of the opportunity to perform, In this group, we are more than the patients often express to him that music sum of our parts.” who lives with schizophrenia, bipolar “Music Mends Minds” will provide funding is a path forward from darkness, “a light disorder, OCD, and anxiety disorder. for patients to audition and become part at the end of the tunnel.” Music has been accessible to Anne “The value in mentioning my diagnoses of a musical ensemble of peers. Under for as long as she can remember, and is to normalize those words,” explains the direction of Dr. Chengappa and For more information or to support it’s something that took on a more Anne. “To see them used in the same Flavio Chamis, internationally renowned “Music Mends Minds,” call 412-246-6614, significant meaning when mental illness space as “musician’ and ‘art’ does a composer and conductor, the group will email [email protected], became a disruptive reality in her life. world of good in terms of people making rehearse regularly, offering performance or visit upmc.com/MakingMindsMatter. “Due to my illness, I deal with a chaotic positive connections between artists opportunities for family, friends, and other inner life. I get lost in my own mind. and mental illness. We are artists who supportive audiences. Music pulls me out of myself and above the clamor of my inner world,” Anne happen to have a disability.”

24 25 HELP Stock Photos, MAKE A Posed by Models DIFFERENCE It’s not about making a donation. It’s about making a difference in someone’s life.

As a not-for-profit organization, UPMC Western Behavioral Health gratefully accepts charitable contributions from families, friends, and community partners. Donations support successful Our Partners in outcomes for patients, their families and for staff when and where most needed. Your gift will Fundraising make a difference in the lives of many. Stock Photo, Posed by Model by Posed Photo, Stock For giving information or donations please phone Making Minds Matter 412-246-6614, email [email protected] or mail to: Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health 200 Lothrop Street n addition to the Making Minds Austin’s Playrooms Forbes Tower, Suite 10055 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Matter fundraising efforts, UPMC The Mario Lemieux Foundation selected IWestern Psychiatric Hospital UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital as a recipient of an partners with Children’s Hospital Austin’s Playroom for child and adolescent patients. Like the Ways to Give of Pittsburgh Foundation and the Austin’s Playroom at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Monetary Gifts - A thoughtful way to United Way Gifts - UPMC Western University of Pittsburgh Medical & this space will serve as a home for safe, fun, and child-friendly memorialize or honor family and friends Psychiatric Hospital is a United Way Health Sciences Foundation to games and activities, all amidst a cheerfully decorated while providing help and hope to those agency. To donate, use contributor optimize the synergies of these environment featuring an interactive therapeutic art we serve. A cash gift is the most common code 253 - Western Psychiatric Institute three entities in pursuit of other experience. The vision for Austin’s Playrooms was born as the form of giving. Payments are accepted in and Clinic of UPMC. result of Nathalie and Mario Lemieux’s experience when their the form of cash, check, or credit card. funding opportunities. Whether its Employer Gift Matching - Employers son, Austin, spent 71 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit securing grant funding, developing Gift-In-Kind - Non-cash donations often offer matching gifts, meaning they at UPMC Magee Womens Hospital. While the Lemieux’s were major donor relationships, or are another valuable way to give. will match some or all of your charitable focused on Austin, there was nothing at the time within the targeting capital solicitations, our Tangible items such as products or donations. Check to see if your employer hospital to occupy and engage their other children. Today, combined efforts foster greater services are tax deductible based on offers this policy and potentially double Austin is grown and healthy, but his namesake playrooms their fair-market value. your donation. success. In 2020, such collaborations continue to give kids a special haven during a stressful time. secured grants to purchase iPads Raise Funds - If you have the time and Planned Giving – By remembering and headphones for pediatric Matt’s Maker Space enthusiasm but not the money, consider UPMC Western Behavioral Health through patients, supplies for Distraction organizing a drive to gather donations. a bequest in your will, you can make a Thanks to the generosity of the Conover Plan and organize a special event at work, donation without relinquishing any of your Therapy, and a mobile music Family and ANSYS, UPMC Western at school, or in the community and donate current income. Or naming UPMC Western therapy cart. Additionally, two Psychiatric Hospital is also preparing for the construction the proceeds. By sharing on social media Behavioral Health as a beneficiary to larger capital initiatives will result of a brand-new Matt’s Maker Space. These spaces represent with a network of caring people and some your current paid life insurance policy in new spaces at UPMC Western a resurgence of a type of learning that allows children hustle, you can raise a hefty donation. or purchasing a new policy will give you Psychiatric Hospital providing an hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, a charitable income tax deduction. enhanced patient experience for art, and math concepts. When Matthew Conover’s life was cut short by cancer at the age of 12, his parents began Note: UPMC Western Behavioral Health suggests that you consult with your own personal tax or financial advisor for children and adolescents. advice concerning your own personal plan and how a gift would benefit both you and a charitable organization. establishing programs honoring his interests in the service of others. The children at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital Contributions are tax deductible as provided by law. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not will benefit greatly from the customized space to explore imply endorsement. and create while managing their own mental health journey.

26 27 NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

200 Lothrop St., PAID Forbes Tower, Suite 10055 PITTSBURGH, PA Pittsburgh, PA 15213 PERMIT NO. 3834

If you wish to have your name removed from the mailing lists related to future newsletters or fundraising materials supporting the Making Minds Matter Fund at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, please send a request to [email protected], write to Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, 200 Lothrop St., Forbes Tower, Suite 10055, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or call 412-246-6614.

he Making Minds Matter at UPMC Western Behavioral Health Fund began in 2019 with a generous donation from a donor interested in offering Tsupport for patient experiences and employee education. The fund now includes four campaigns, established to generate additional donor opportunities in support of patients and employees.

Now in its second year, the 2021

“Groceries, Gas, or Cash!” raffle R Lorraine Williams E

prize options include a choice E

of $17,000 in Giant Eagle Gift P part of Making Minds Matter Cards or $14,000 in cash. A total of 700 tickets will be sold “The Lorraine Williams Peer Scholarship” is for at $100 each. Partnering with individuals followed by Comprehensive Recovery Giant Eagle and WPXI television, Services (CRS) who are going to school or pursuing the campaign is promoted by vocational training either for the purposes of gaining both entities, including 107 employment or advancing in their employment. Giant Eagle locations in Named in honor of a cherished CRS staff person, western Pennsylvania. scholarship recipients also serve as role models for others with mental health needs.

After successfully completing the first gift drive for children and adolescent inpatients during the holidays at UPMC Msi Western Psychiatric Hospital in 2020,

part of Making Minds Matter the 2021 “Holidays from the Heart” Mends Minds gift campaign will provide gifts for “Music Mends Minds” offers patients with mental all inpatients, from children and health challenges the opportunity to audition and adolescents through seniors. become part of a musical ensemble of peers, culminating With Marianne Cornetti, renowned in performance opportunities for friends and family and international opera singer, as the other supportive audiences. Additionally, well-known campaign chair, and a growing WPIC518511 LGH/NC 0221 musicians are matched with the participants, creating committee of eager supporters, a means to interact with professionals and learn the expanded 2021 goal will make the holidays brighter from their successful musical journeys. for 251 inpatients.

To learn more, participate, sponsor, or donate to any of these campaigns: Call 412-246-6614 Email [email protected] Visit UPMC.com/MakingMindsMatter