Honoring Rosalynn Smith Carter’s Mental Health Advocacy in Washington: The First Lady of Mental Health Legacy Lives On.

In Washington, DC, Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced a resolution honoring Rosalynn Smith Carter for her extensive mental health advocacy during Mental Health Awareness Month. The former First Lady was praised for her efforts in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and improving access to mental health care.

Congresswoman Dingell commended Mrs. Carter for using her influence and passion for mental health care to confront longstanding challenges in the nation. Despite mental health conditions being viewed as weaknesses by many, Mrs. Carter chose compassion and empathy to highlight the humanity and strength of patients who needed treatment and care. She expressed pride in honoring Mrs. Carter’s legacy alongside Rep. Buddy Carter, acknowledging the progress that has been made thanks to her relentless advocacy.

The Carter Center CEO, Paige Alexander, referred to Mrs. Carter as “the First Lady of mental health” due to her decades-long commitment to erasing the stigma against individuals with mental illnesses and expanding access to mental health care. Alexander thanked Representatives Carter and Dingell for recognizing Mrs. Carter’s remarkable legacy of mental health advocacy and for their support of The Carter Center’s ongoing work in her honor. The resolution honoring Mrs. Carter’s contributions to mental health advocacy can be read in full text on The Carter Center’s website[1].