The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System will unveil a locally artist-designed bench created to promote hope, connection and suicide prevention during a ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m. on the outdoor patio of the Veteran Enrichment Center, located on the east side of the medical center off Bravo Street. Olivia Freda, assistant director of the health care system, will provide remarks during the event.
Local Charleston artist Lorna Raisbeck transformed one of the medical center’s outdoor benches with a hand-painted design featuring deep purple, teal, yellow and orange tones, along with a moon, sun, layered clouds and a purple heart at the center of the piece. The artwork also carries a message from Martin Luther King Jr., “Only in darkness can you see the stars.”
The project was coordinated through the health care system’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health teams, with support from Public Affairs and Engineering Management Service. After the artwork was completed, Engineering Management Service staff applied a protective clear coat to preserve the piece and prepared the surrounding planters with greenery for the unveiling.
While completing the artwork, Lorna explained that the purple heart at the center represents an open heart. That detail reflects the broader purpose of the installation: creating a visible reminder of compassion, connection and the importance of being present for others.
The Sept. 25 ceremony will include brief remarks from health care system leadership, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health representatives, and the artist, followed by the official unveiling and a photo opportunity. The program is planned as a concise 15- to 20-minute event.
The bench was created as part of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System’s observance of Suicide Prevention Month and will remain in place beyond September as a year-round reminder that connection matters and support is available.
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to connect with qualified responders through the Veterans Crisis Line.