Prominent Figure in the Field of Mental Health

Rosalynn Carter, a widely recognized advocate for mental health, dedicated her life to building a more caring society. As the working partner of the 39th president of the United States, she made history as first lady by fostering programs and services for people with mental illnesses, senior citizens, women, and disenfranchised groups. Her leadership extended beyond the White House through The Carter Center in Atlanta, where she actively worked to make a difference in the lives of many.

As emissaries for the Center, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter traveled around the world on nonpolitical campaigns to eradicate Guinea worm disease and other neglected tropical diseases, increase agricultural production in Africa, monitor elections in nascent democracies, urge greater compliance with international human rights standards, and resolve conflicts. Their efforts had a profound impact on communities worldwide.

Rosalynn established The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program to combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses and promote improved mental health care in the United States and abroad. She also chaired the Center’s Mental Health Task Force, hosted an annual forum of national mental health leaders, and established the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism to encourage accurate reporting about mental health issues.

Through her dedicated work, Rosalynn Carter has touched the lives of people around the world and forever changed how mental health is viewed and treated. Her lifetime of service has left a lasting impact on countless individuals and communities.