In a continued effort to destigmatize mental health conversations within the Black community, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and kate spade new york are proudly extending their groundbreaking "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative to Hampton University. This Fall, they are set to bring culturally competent mental wellness services to more than 25,000 Black women on historically Black college and university (HBCU) campuses.

After a successful launch at Alabama State University earlier this year, BLHF and kate spade are now expanding their collaborative endeavor to Hampton University in Virginia, marking a significant step towards promoting mental well-being among young women.

Access to Mental Health Facilities on Campus This innovative program, tailored to HBCU students, joins BLHF and kate spade new york's efforts to provide essential mental health resources directly to Black women on campus. The "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative involves the installation of physical structures on campuses to offer a range of services, including:

Free mental health therapy sessions to address stress, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Spaces for students to connect with peers, combating isolation and grief during the academic year and breaks.

Diverse programming, including yoga, meditation, art and drama therapy,

African dance, nutrition, and more, all led by certified practitioners.

Workshops offering resources and tools for those dealing with anxiety, sleep deprivation, and insomnia.

Quiet areas for silence, rest, and respite to help students reset from daily stressors.

Eradicating Mental Health Stigma Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence

Henson Foundation's mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the Black community. As a leading advocate for Black mental health, BLHF provides competent therapy and integrated wellness resources.

For kate spade new york, women's empowerment has been a central focus for over a decade. In alignment with this mission, kate spade and the kate spade new york Foundation are investing $5 million in programming this year to further destigmatize mental health conversations and continue serving women and girls in need.

Empowering Black Women through Mental Wellness BLHF Founder, Taraji P. Henson, expressed her commitment to this cause, stating, "Black women, from a very young age, are taught to be strong and dismiss their own suffering, tending to the needs of family and community often at the expense of their own well-being. The She Care Wellness pods seek to change this narrative."

The expansion to Hampton University reflects the shared vision and partnership between BLHF, kate spade new york, and the commitment to support students in taking care of their mental health.

Creating Positive Change Kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser, emphasized their commitment to increasing accessibility to mental health resources, asserting, "We can create a positive difference for young women on HBCU campuses and in their communities."

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health within commu- nities and lauded the partnership, position- ing students with additional resources for mental wellness.

For more information on The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, please visit www.borislhensonfoundation.org