Rosalynn Carter is a mental health advocate and former First Lady of the United States who has dedicated her life to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her tireless efforts and dedication to this cause have made a significant impact on the national conversation about mental health.

Carter’s interest in mental health issues began during her time as the First Lady, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by mental illness. In 1977, she became the honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, where she worked to bring attention to the importance of mental health and push for policies and programs to support those in need.

After leaving the White House, Carter continued her advocacy work and founded the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in 1991. Through this program, she has worked to promote mental health policies, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health care both in the United States and around the world.

One of Carter’s most impactful initiatives is the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, which aims to improve the quality of mental health reporting and increase public understanding of mental illness. This program provides fellowships to journalists who are committed to promoting accurate, balanced, and sensitive reporting on mental health topics.

In addition to her work at the Carter Center, Carter has also been a vocal advocate for mental health parity, which calls for equal coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment under health insurance policies. She has also been a strong supporter of efforts to expand access to mental health services, particularly for underserved populations.

Carter’s advocacy work has had a lasting impact on the field of mental health, helping to shift the national conversation and push for policy changes that support individuals and families affected by mental illness. Her dedication to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health has helped to improve the lives of countless individuals and has left a lasting legacy in the field of mental health advocacy. Rosalynn Carter continues to be a leading voice for mental health, and her efforts continue to inspire and drive progress in the field.