UPMC ended gender-affirming care for trans youth under 19 years old on June 30, 2025. Now, UPMC leadership is telling UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital staff that they will not administer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or puberty blockers to trans youth under 19 when they are hospitalized for a mental health crisis, unless the medication is being prescribed by UPMC. But UPMC is no longer prescribing these vital medications to trans youth! And, critically, all other medications (besides HRT and puberty blockers) not prescribed by UPMC can be administered during hospital stays.

Withholding these medications can increase the risk of suicidality, depression, and psychosis. It is very dangerous to do this! Especially for young people who are already in a mental health crisis. HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND PUBERTY BLOCKERS ARE LEGAL AND SAFE. THE USE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THESE MEDICATIONS IS LEGAL AND PROTECTED IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Please take a moment to email UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital's President Deborah Brodine (brodineds@upmc.edu) & DEMAND THAT TRANS YOUTH GET ACCESS TO ALL THEIR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS WHILE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS!

Thank you!