Josh Ritter brings music and hope to patient Veterans at VA Salt Lake City Medical Center
Renowned Singer/Songwriter Josh Ritter performed a heartfelt concert for patients at the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit (IPU) of the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center on July 12.
The intimate performance aimed to uplift the spirits of Veterans undergoing treatment for various mental health challenges.
Ritter, known for his evocative lyrics and soothing melodies, played a selection of his songs and took requests from Veterans and staff. The small setting allowed around a dozen patients to engage directly with the music and with Ritter, who expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices that Veterans make and shared some of his journey with mental health.
“We owe these people everything we can give,” said Ritter. “We are all human beings in extreme times, and we all need arms thrown around us in love sometimes and that’s hopefully what we can do here today. I was profoundly honored to be asked to do this. What a gift, to be able to give back in this specific way.”
As he strummed his guitar and sang, Ritter’s presence brought joy to the halls of the IPU. The staff at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center were appreciative of Ritter’s visit and saw the positive effect it had on the patients being treated there.
“I loved the thoughts that he shared about his own struggles,” said Anna Day, a nurse practitioner in the IPU. “The Veterans definitely enjoyed the performance.”
After the concert, patients and staff cheered and approached Ritter and spoke with him about his music and his upcoming shows. This visit to the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center was a poignant reminder of the healing power of music. By sharing his talents, Ritter provided a moment of joy and connection for veterans on their journey of recovery.
"We want to give our Veterans the best care possible, especially when it comes to their morale,” said Dr. Stephen Trapp, a psychologist with the IPU at VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. “Engaging with the arts provides a unique form of therapy that can uplift spirits, foster connection, and promote emotional well-being. Josh Ritter's performance is a perfect example of how music can bring comfort and hope to our veterans, reminding them that they are not alone in their recovery."
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System serves nearly 75,000 Veterans in the intermountain west at its main campus in Salt Lake City and 10 community clinics throughout Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.