Alexandria, VA – Mental Health America issued the following statement today regarding the passing of mental health advocate and former first lady Rosalynn Carter:
“Mental Health America expresses deep sympathy to the family of Rosalynn Carter and remembers the former first lady as a tireless and passionate mental health advocate.
Mrs. Carter spent decades working to improve the lives of those living with mental health conditions. In addition, her legacy and impact continues through the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. Mrs. Carter fully understood the importance of caregiver mental health, and we recognize her passing occurred during National Family Caregivers Month. During a 2011 Senate hearing, she so eloquently said:
‘I like to say that there are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.’
Mental Health America is honored to have had Mrs. Carter as a longtime supporter of our work and mission. She spoke at our 1975 Mental Health America Conference and served as Chair of the 2015 Annual Conference Honorary Committee.
Mrs. Carter was an advocate to the core, even asking her husband, President Jimmy Carter, during his governor campaign what he was going to do for mental health. From breaking down stigma, to cultivating compassion and understanding amongst others, Rosalynn Carter will be remembered as a fierce ally for mental health and forever friend of Mental Health America.”
Rosalynn Carter at the 1975 Mental Health America Conference, formerly the Mental Health Association Annual Conference.