Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is widely recognized as the nation’s leading advocate for mental health. Throughout her life, she has worked tirelessly to build a more compassionate society. As the working partner of the 39th president of the United States, she made history as first lady by championing programs and services for people with mental illnesses, senior citizens, women, and disenfranchised groups.

Her legacy continued through The Carter Center in Atlanta, where she was deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of millions. As emissaries for the Center, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter traveled 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 around the globe.

In addition to her global work, Mrs. Carter 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 left a lasting impact on countless individuals and communities. Her lifetime of service is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving mental health care and promoting compassionate societies.