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."Alex with dragonfly

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.