Taraji P. Henson's foundation backs $30 million wellness hub in Maryland

Prince George's County and the Boris L. Henson Foundation, founded by actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, are partnering on a $30 million Healing Arts Integrative Wellness Hub in Temple Hills, Maryland. According to the Prince George's County Council, the county will renovate the Temple Hills Community Centre into a facility combining creative arts, wellness practices and evidence-based mental health services. The foundation will oversee programming, including hip hop therapy, arts and yoga, and residents will be able to use the centre free of charge. The council says the funding has been moved from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's budget, with construction expected to begin in 2026.

The council says the Boris L. Henson Foundation will oversee programming at the centre. Many of the offerings will match those featured at the Can We Talk? Wellness Summit held the previous weekend and the Can We Talk? Youth Symposium held in May. The release lists hip hop therapy, arts and yoga among them. The release also says the centre will focus on combating social isolation among senior citizens. County Executive Aisha Braveboy is quoted as saying it is important to have "a mental health and wellness facility here in the County." According to the release, she said families sometimes need a mental health professional to help them process life's challenges, stress and anxiety, and that the facility can give residents a place and the confidence to seek help and healing.

Residents will be able to use the centre free of charge. The release also says Prince George's County has moved $30 million from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's budget for the initiative. According to the council, construction is expected to begin in 2026. The release credits the partnership to the Boris L. Henson Foundation, the Prince George's County Government, the County Council and the Park and Planning Commission. It names Council Chair Edward Burroughs III and Commission Chairman Darryl Barnes among those involved.

In the release, Council Chair Edward Burroughs III says the council must act against rising stress, trauma and hopelessness in communities. He links this to the effects of federal-level decisions on the economy and on residents. He says the council feels a responsibility and a duty to respond. Burroughs also thanks the Boris L. Henson Foundation for its commitment to bringing positive change to the county. The release says he credited County Executive Aisha Braveboy for her vision, leadership and commitment to making the idea a reality.