Effective Date: Last Updated: September 14, 2026
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Step Up For Mental Health (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 80-0834004) collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users of https://www.stepupformentalhealth.org, http://www.bisocialnetwork.com, and any related mobile sites or applications (collectively, the “Site”).
1. Information We Collect
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including when Users visit our site, register, make a donation, fill out a form, request assistance via our helpline, or respond to a survey.
- Standard Information: Name, email address, mailing address, and phone number.
- Sensitive & Consumer Health Data: Some of the optional data collected in registration forms, small grant applications, or helpline requests may be considered “sensitive,” “special category,” or “consumer health data” (e.g., data relating to mental or physical health conditions, sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin, gender expression). We request your explicit, opt-in consent to process this information.
- Non-Personal Information: We may collect technical data such as browser name, computer type, operating system, and the Internet service providers utilized.
2. How We Handle Sensitive & Health Data (New State Health Data Laws)
Step Up For Mental Health is committed to the strict confidentiality of your health information. We do not and will never sell your sensitive consumer health data. By providing answers to optional health or demographic questions, or by using our Peer Support and Helpline, you provide your explicit consent to the processing of your answers to help us deliver support services. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us.
HIPAA Disclaimer: Please note that Step Up For Mental Health provides peer support, education, and financial assistance. We are not a medical provider or a “Covered Entity” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Information shared with us is protected under this Privacy Policy and applicable consumer privacy laws, but is not considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric treatment.
2. How We Handle Sensitive & Health Data
Our Commitment to Data Protection (HIPAA and PII): Step Up For Mental Health provides peer support, education, and financial assistance. Because we do not provide medical treatment or process health insurance claims, we are not legally classified as a “Covered Entity” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
However, we understand the deeply sensitive nature of mental health information. To serve our clients better and ensure the highest level of trust, Step Up For Mental Health voluntarily aligns our data protection practices and safeguards with HIPAA standards. We implement strict administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and consumer health data, treating your information with the same level of confidentiality and security as a healthcare provider would. Please note that while we protect your data rigorously, our services are peer-based and educational, and are not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric treatment.
3. Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) compliance.
Protecting the privacy of young children is especially important. Step Up For Mental Health does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent (outside of specific, legally compliant program registrations initiated by a guardian), we will delete that information as quickly as possible.
4. Communications and SMS/Texting (TCPA Compliance)
If you opt-in to receive mobile communications, text messages, or use our SMS Helpline, you consent to Step Up For Mental Health communicating with you via your mobile device.
- Opt-In: We will only send you text messages if you affirmatively opt-in.
- We will never share your personal mobile SMS/Text messages without your expressed permission.
- When & Why We May Share Data That Identifies You. We may share information that identifies you with third parties if necessary to help prevent death or serious injury, or to meet a legal requirements.
- Rates & Frequency: Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on your interaction with our programs.
- Opt-Out: You may text STOP at any time to cancel or unsubscribe from SMS communications, or text HELP for support.
- Request Deletion of Your Data. You can ask us to delete your data by texting or messaging the word “DELETE” to us.
- How We Protect Your Data. We take many steps to protect your data, including encryption, access controls, intrusion detection, and other methods.
5. Web Browser Cookies & Third-Party Services
Our site may use “cookies” to enhance User experience. We use third-party service providers (such as Google) to help operate our business.
- What Happens When You Contact Us Through Third-Party Services: If you reach out to us through a third-party service (such as Google Profile or Instagram), that service may have different policies about how that service collects, uses, and shares your data.
6. Sharing Your Personal Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users’ personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information with our business partners, trusted affiliates, and sponsors. We may use third-party service providers to administer activities on our behalf, such as sending newsletters or processing secure donations, provided you have given us permission.
7. Your Privacy Rights (State Privacy Regulations)
Depending on your state of residence, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Right to Access/Know: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Right to Correction: You can ask us to correct inaccurate data.
- Right to Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal data (subject to certain exceptions, such as records required for legal or tax purposes).
- Right to Opt-Out: You can opt-out of targeted advertising or mailing lists at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.
8. Accessibility
Step Up For Mental Health is committed to making our website accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We employ accessibility tools (such as accessiBe) to ensure a seamless experience for all users. If you require assistance accessing any part of our site or policies, please contact us.
9. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Step Up For Mental Health has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will post a notification on the main page of our site. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes. Your continued use of the site following the posting of changes will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:
Step Up For Mental Health PO Box 15362 Chicago, IL 60615 (773) 273-9422 or our Contact Us page.
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This document was last updated on September 14, 2026 and covers new laws.