Nice to Meet You
What started as one care package is now a movement to provide mental health support for Black girls.
MH Boxes was founded by Mila, a biracial teen who saw firsthand how mental health struggles among her peers were being ignored, dismissed, or punished rather than supported. She knew that Black girls needed to feel seen by people who looked like them and shared their experiences.
From that insight, MH Boxes was born: a peer-to-peer mental health initiative rooted in Black girl joy, affirmation, and the belief that healing begins when someone says, "You matter."
Today, MH Boxes has grown from one act of care into a comprehensive organization delivering care packages, leading youth-driven policy advocacy, and creating spaces where Black girls can confidently embrace their mental health.
Did You Know?
MH Boxes to Black girls
across eight states
Black girls are facing a silent
mental health crisis
Nearly half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14, but only 34% of Black youth receive treatment (compared to 50% of white youth)
Suicide among Black teen girls increased 182% between 2001–2017
6.1 million African Americans live with mental illness, yet only 1 in 3 receives care
The barriers are real: Black girls face higher rates of suspension, misdiagnosis, and dismissal by healthcare providers. They're often punished rather than given care. Stigma, lack of Black mental health providers, and systemic disparities create massive gaps in access and trust.
We're doing something about it
We are providing immediate, culturally affirming support while building long-term pathways to leadership, advocacy, and systemic change. In Virginia alone, 20.2% of youth ages 12-17 report a major depressive episode. MH Boxes is meeting this need with peer-driven care:
2,252 boxes delivered across 8 states
90% of recipients feel more comfortable talking about mental health
12 graduate student interns trained from NYU, USC, UNC, VCU
It starts with one box.
Our Leadership
Mila founded MH Boxes as a peer-to-peer initiative, and that spirit continues today through our Her Voice Youth Council and Changemakers Council where Black girls ages 14-18 shape our programs, policies, and vision.
We are supported by mental health professionals, educators, community organizers, and corporate partners who believe in our mission and trust Black girls to lead.
Board of Directors
Carissa Henry
Founder & Board Chair
MH Boxes
"Sometimes you gotta just breathe, maybe give time, time."
Jeneane Henry
Board Vice Chair
Community Volunteer
"It's ok to have hard days."
Morganne Bovee
Board Secretary
Founder
Empowered Community Consulting
"All feelings are okay."
Dr. Katie Nelson
Board Treasurer
Nurse Scientist
John Hopkins Bloomberg School
of Public Health
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Bianca Graham
Care Coordinator
The Village Network
"Always be yourself."
Sherita Hayes
Business Development Manager
Call Federal Credit Union
"You are worthy."
Dr. Rhea Nakra
MPH Candidate
NYU School of Global Public Health
"Sometimes you can’t see a way through. But you can always take just the next step."
Portia Perkins
Advertising and Marketing
Professional
"One day at a time."
Bria Singleton
MPH Candidate
University of South Carolina
"My mission is to lead with care, create with intention, and ensure that every community I touch feels seen, valued, and uplifted."
Riqia "Ricky" Taylor
Insomnia Book Company, Owner
"Yes you can."