The recent passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, aged 96, marked the end of an era devoted to unwavering support for her husband, Jimmy Carter, throughout their remarkable 77-year marriage.
Beyond her role as a steadfast companion, she carved a distinct path as a champion for mental health advocacy, notably emerging as dedicated for humanitarian causes.
The Carter family, in a statement released Wednesday, acknowledged Rosalynn Carter’s profound impact on countless lives.
“Rosalynn Carter’s deep compassion for people everywhere and her untiring strength on their behalf touched lives around the world,” the family expressed.
“We have heard from thousands of you since her passing. Thank you all for joining us in celebrating what a treasure she was, not only to us, but to all humanity.”
Her journey into mental health advocacy began during her husband’s 1966 campaign for Georgia governor, recounted in her book, “Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis.”
While on the campaign trail, Carter encountered distressing stories from voters regarding the plight of family members residing in a crowded psychiatric center in Milledgeville, Georgia.
One encounter with an exhausted cotton mill worker, who described the challenges of caring for a daughter with a mental illness while working opposite shifts, deeply affected her.
Haunted by this conversation, Carter found herself confronting her husband during a rally that evening, challenging him on his plans to aid individuals grappling with mental illnesses.
Her persistence paid off when, during his presidency, Jimmy Carter appointed her as the active honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health.
The commission’s subsequent report led to the inception of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, aimed at funding community mental health centers and services for low-income populations.
Regrettably, much of the progress was dismantled by President Ronald Reagan shortly after its passing.
Despite setbacks, Rosalynn Carter’s commitment remained resolute. She continued her advocacy through The Carter Center, the nonprofit organization she co-founded with her husband in 1982.
Over the years, she tirelessly worked on mental health legislation, aimed at fostering accurate media coverage and social change.
In her quest to combat stigmas associated with mental health, Carter launched the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism in 1996.
This initiative empowered journalists globally to challenge stereotypes through impactful storytelling.
The program, which has awarded more than 220 fellows worldwide, aimed to reshape societal perceptions about mental health issues.
Acknowledging her influence, Aaron Glantz, a fellowship recipient, praised Carter for being the first to inquire about the impact of his journalism. Glantz reflected, “This simple question changed my life & so many others. Thank you.”
Following Rosalynn Carter’s passing, tributes poured in, underscoring the profound impact of her advocacy.
Many individuals shared personal accounts of how her efforts touched their lives, highlighting her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those grappling with mental health issues.
Recognizing the pivotal role of caregivers in her advocacy, Carter established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers at Georgia Southwestern State University.
She also authored several books drawing on her advocacy experiences, including “Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers.”
In her final book, “Within Our Reach,” released in 2010, Carter called for urgent action to revamp the mental health system, underscoring its inadequacies.
Despite highlighting the system’s failures, she remained optimistic, expressing hope for a future where stigmas around mental illness would be dispelled.
Addressing an audience at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Forum, Carter emphasized the need to provide care and respect for individuals with mental illnesses.
“Today, with our knowledge and expertise, we have a great opportunity to change things forever,” she asserted, urging a shift towards a new era of understanding and care for all affected by mental health issues.
Rosalynn Carter’s unwavering commitment to mental health leaves behind a lasting legacy making her a champion for mental health advocacy, inspiring continued efforts to bring about positive change in addressing mental health challenges worldwide.