Coppin State University recently announced a new collaboration with actor and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson as part of a new mental health initiative for students.
With May 2nd officially marking the opening, the HBCU opened up the new SheCare Wellness Pods alongside the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, of which Henson leads, as well as Kate Spade New York.
Officially conceptualized by Henson alongside Executive Director Tracie Jade Jenkins, the pods are placed indoors, as opposed to traditional outdoor pods, and are designed to be a place where students can focus on their mental health. Aimed towards helping over 25,000 Black women across HBCU campuses, the pods are a place where students can step away and manage their stress, anxiety and other mental health struggles.
As part of the program, the SheCare Wellness Pods will also provide free mental health therapy sessions to the women on campus who are struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. Alongside interactive workshops, the program will also offer wellness help through yoga, art, sound healing and meditation.
“This partnership reflects our shared dedication to enhancing the mental health and well-being of our students,” said the president of the HBCU, Dr. Anthony L Jenkins, in a statement. “By offering these resources, we aim to empower our students to take ownership of their mental health and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”
A moment to remember 💛💙 Coppin is now the first campus with a fully indoor SHECare Wellness Pod! Huge thanks to @BLHFoundation, @katespadeny, and @tarajiphenson for helping us center mental wellness at the Nest. #CSU125 #SHECare #CoppinMade #HBCU #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/xtc3KZ6fZf
— Coppin State University (@CoppinStateUniv) May 6, 2025
Launched in 2018 in honor of Henson’s late father, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation focuses on providing access to mental health services for BIPOC and other underserved communities in an effort to destigmatize mental health struggles.
Black Americans are often burdened with mental health struggles as researchers identify racial trauma, microaggressions and intergenerational trauma as key contributors. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black Americans between the ages of 10 to 24. Approximately 11% of Black Americans above 18 also reported serious psychological distress in the past year, while approximately 4% said they felt overwhelming feelings of sadness.
Despite the alarming rates, Black Americans are often unable to seek mental health care due to racial inequities. According to McLean Hospital, almost 10% of Black Americans said that they do not have health insurance, a rate that is twice that of white Americans. When they do have the ability to seek mental health care, Black Americans are often provided care by the emergency department rather than mental health specialists.
Through their initiatives, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is working to address disparities and prejudice by bringing mental health services to women at universities and by creating safe spaces to discuss mental health struggles.
Most recently, the nonprofit held its “Can We Talk? Youth Symposium & Joy Salons” event, which provides middle and high school students with a full day of wellness care.
