Self-Care Tips&Tools Tour Presents Art Healthy

Stephanie McClaskey

Sept 10, 2022

Friday, September 2, 2022, Harbinger Student Media’s self-care podcast took its next stop in the Self-Care Tips&Tools Tour. An art show, Mental Escape, was spotlighted in episode three, Art Healthy, for being geared toward raising awareness of mental illness and suicide through the therapeutic properties of creating art. 

The art show featured a variety of local artists from many different backgrounds. Among them was Micheal Ragan, CEO of 22VA, who faced severe PTSD after returning from combat in Iraq. Through his struggles, Ragan found a safe and healthy outlet through creating art. He used that tool to inspire an organization, 22VA, dedicated to providing services to other veterans still facing the aftermath of serving in the United States Military. 

“Art saved my life,” Ragan shared. 

He told how he founded the organization to bring a sense of purpose back into the lives of veterans struggling to find security in being a civilian again. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide per day, Ragan named the organization in honor of the sacrifice of their mental wellness. He hopes to grow the organization nationally to help decrease these numbers through a sense of community and art therapy. Ragan stated that all forms of art are welcomed and encouraged within 22VA. 

“We try just to get veterans to express themselves and find healing through whatever art they want,” Ragan said.

To learn more about becoming involved with 22VA, email Micheal Ragan at MTR22VA@yahoo.com or follow them on Facebook using the handle 22VA.