The world mourns the passing of Rosalynn Carter, a beloved former First lady of the United States, who has dedicated much of her life to championing the cause of mental health. Mrs. Carter stands a true pioneer in the field of mental health advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the discourse surrounding this important human rights issue. As the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981, she courageously ventured into uncharted territory, recognizing the pressing need to address the public health crisis of mental health on a global scale.
Even beyond her time in the White House, Mrs. Carter continued to be a steadfast advocate for mental health as a public figure and at the Carter Center. Our founder, Janine Francolini, had the privilege of personally meeting and attending numerous mental health symposiums hosted by Mrs. Carter at the Carter Center. These encounters were not just professional engagements but transformative experiences that forged a deep connection between advocates and policy makers across the United States. During these gatherings, Janine gleaned insights, shared perspectives, and absorbed the wisdom of other pioneers in this field. These meetings not only provided a platform for collaboration and shared knowledge but also served as a source of inspiration for Janine as she navigated her own path in mental health advocacy.
Mrs. Carter’s legacy in mental health advocacy is an enduring testament to the power of compassion and dedication. As we bid farewell to an extraordinary humanitarian, let us recommit ourselves to the cause she championed. In honoring Mrs. Carter, we pledge to carry forward her vision of a society where mental health is a universal priority, where everyone is treated with dignity, and where the conversation surrounding mental health continues to break new ground. Thank you Mrs. Carter for blazing the trail to a more Flawless World for us all.
To learn more about Mrs. Carter’s inspiring work, read these Huffington Post Articles written by Janine Francolini reflecting on her time at the Carter Center Mental Health Symposiums.
#CuresAct: Collaboration is the Cure
An Eternal Standing Ovation for Mrs. Carter
