Mila Henry Leads Mental Health Care Project

The young humanitarian distributes care packages to Black girls to help combat mental health stigma.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Teens

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of gift boxes with colorful ribbons, representing a mental health support initiative. — Mila Henry's nonprofit, MH Boxes, has distributed over 3,300 mental health care packages to Black girls across the United States since January 2024. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Are small-scale community projects effective at providing meaningful mental health support to local youth?

Mila Henry launched the nonprofit MH Boxes in January 2024 to support Black girls struggling with mental health. The initiative has since delivered 3,303 care packages across 17 states and Washington, DC.

Why it matters

The project aims to reduce barriers and stigma that often prevent young Black girls from accessing vital mental health resources. Henry started the program after navigating her own personal experiences with anxiety and depression.

The MH Boxes initiative began with a $550 microgrant and has grown to serve recipients across 17 states. These packages include items like fidget toys, journals, and positive affirmations for young women.

The players

Mila Henry

Mila Henry is a young humanitarian who founded MH Boxes after receiving the Pete & Thomas Foundation's Young Humanitarian Award.

Pete & Thomas Foundation

The Pete & Thomas Foundation is a charitable organization established in 2022 that provides financial support through microgrants.

Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium

The Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium is a collaborative group that works to improve the lives of Black girls and women in the Southern United States.

The details

MH Boxes distributes resources through a network of community organizations, schools, and mental health providers. The program was supported by the Pete & Thomas Foundation and the Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium.

Mila Henry launched the MH Boxes project in January 2024.
By May 2024, Mila Henry had delivered over 500 care packages.
By July 2025, Mila Henry had delivered 1,600 care packages.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader societal shift toward youth-led, community-based mental health advocacy. It aligns with the Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium microgrant program that funded 100 young women to lead wellness efforts in 2024.

The program provides immediate support through tools like fidget toys and journals to help girls manage daily stress. Residents can look for these resources through local school counselors and mental health providers in participating states.

The takeaway

Small grants can catalyze significant community change when targeted toward specific needs like youth mental health support. Recognizing the signs of anxiety in early stages is essential for providing effective and timely care to young people.