MH Boxes: Supporting Black Girls' Mental Health

I am proud to serve as an Executive Board Member of MH Boxes, a nonprofit founded by Mila Henry and her mother, Carissa Henry. After learning about Mila's personal journey navigating access to mental health resources as a young Black girl, I was inspired to join the organization in support of its mission.

My commitment to MH Boxes is rooted not only in my own mental health journey, but also in my passion for public service and community advocacy. Throughout my work, I have seen firsthand the importance of creating culturally responsive spaces and resources that empower young people to prioritize their mental well-being.

The mission of MH Boxes is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by providing culturally relevant wellness boxes designed specifically for Black adolescent girls. Each box includes tools and age-appropriate mental health resources that encourage open, honest conversations and provide meaningful support. It costs approximately $35 to assemble and ship one box, and to date, MH Boxes has distributed more than 3,000 boxes to public schools, Girl Scout troops, extracurricular organizations, therapy practices, and directly to the homes of girls across the country.

This year's theme, "Black girls don't need to be 'fixed.' They need to be heard, believed, and supported," is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Every young person deserves access to resources that affirm their experiences and remind them that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.

As a member of the Executive Board, I am raising funds to help MH Boxes expand its impact by growing our Youth Advisory Board, increasing speaking engagements, and providing additional toolkits alongside our signature resource boxes.

I invite you to support this important work by making a donation today or by participating on August 28 (Give 8/28), the national day of giving dedicated to supporting Black-led nonprofits. Your generosity will help us continue equipping, uplifting, and empowering the next generation of Black girls.