The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on all our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. UPMC Western Psych has been seeing more kids over this pandemic. They have seen the demand for beds increase and it is not unusual for up to 15 kids to be waiting for a bed to be available.
Mental health is an area that we are deeply interested in. When Matt was sick, the community rallied around us. This is usually not the case, however, when a child is diagnosed with depression or anxiety. There is a stigma and we are hoping to remove some of that stigma by focusing on providing maker spaces for mental health.
We having been working very hard over the past few months on one of our most exciting projects. We will be opening two new Matt’s Maker Spaces at the UPMC Western Psychiatric, an inpatient space and an outpatient space. Details are in place, building has begun! We will be updating you on our progress and hope to do a ribbon cutting opening in the fall!
