JU’s Health Sciences Complex unveils murals with meaning to promote mental health awareness

Jacksonville University partnered with Hearts 4 Minds to bring two impactful murals to its Health Sciences Complex, with renowned local artist David Nackashi at the helm. These murals are more than just art - they are a visual tribute to mental health awareness designed to support those affected by mental illness and share lifesaving resources with the community.

Sheryl Johnson, founder and president of Hearts 4 Minds, turned her grief into action after losing her 22-year-old son, Alex, in 2017 following his battle with anxiety and depression. "You can't lose a child and have that be the end," Johnson said. "For us, it was important to figure out what that legacy looked like."

The two murals, one illustrating the campus's lush greenery with a silhouette of the Kinne Center and the other depicting various symbols of healthcare sciences, such as a stethoscope and brainwaves, reflect the university's commitment to overall health and well-being.

"I've always enjoyed making meaningful art, and Hearts 4 Minds is one of those meaningful forces," said Nackashi. "Our objective is to spread mental health awareness, so my hope is that it's attention-getting and peaceful to look at. A university can bring plenty of stress, and our mental health should be prioritized for students and professors, so adding this meaningful mural to JU is something I'm very proud of."

The murals also feature dragonflies, a deeply personal symbol for the Johnson family that dates back to the inception of Hearts 4 Minds, formerly known as Alex's Dragonfly Coalition Inc. "Alex was very artistic, and we wanted to incorporate things that represented him," Johnson said. "He was a sweet, quiet kid who loved nature. That's where the dragonfly came from. It was based on a picture of him when he was five, a dragonfly landed on his nose. It's a great example of courage, strength, and change."

For Johnson, the murals are meant to serve as a reminder that mental health is just as critical as physical health and that recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis can save lives. "We're so good about knowing what to do if someone chokes or if someone's having a heart attack," Johnson said. "No one ever really says, here are some early signs and symptoms of what could be a mental health disorder that could disrupt your life."

The murals are also a symbol of hope and resilience for those who visit the campus, offering a sense of calm and reflection. Each mural includes a QR code that links to vital mental health resources, fostering ease of access.

"Our collaboration with Hearts 4 Minds is crucial in addressing the mental health needs of our students, our campus, and the greater Jacksonville community," said Dr. Mark Tillman, dean of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences. "By integrating these murals into the Health Sciences Complex, we hope to create an inviting and relaxing environment where students can access mental health resources and feel more connected to the JU family. It's about fostering a sense of community and well-being right where they live and learn."

Despite the unimaginable tragedy that led Sheryl Johnson and her family to start Hearts 4 Minds, she believes this was always her purpose and finds fulfillment in knowing people all over the world have been touched by their efforts. "The moments when one individual sends me a note and says thank you, my [loved one] wouldn't be here today if you hadn't been there - those are the moments when I know that we've changed the course of someone's story," Johnson said.

The murals with meaning at Jacksonville University's Health Sciences Complex stand as a testament to JU's dedication to mental health awareness, community collaboration, and the transformative power of art (Photo courtesy - Hearts 4 Mind/Prattify).