The first lady, amidst her husband’s reelection campaign, deviated from the political norm, visiting a 75-year-old institution marked by the U.S. Justice Department as a troubling example of warehousing for “feebleminded” children.
The sunny skies witnessed a remarkable event as Rosalynn Carter graced a crowd in Laconia, New Hampshire
Governor Hugh Gallen, sharing Rosalynn Carter’s commitment to rectifying deplorable conditions, joined her at the Laconia State School. Dayton Duncan, who witnessed the event as Gallen’s press secretary, reflected on the extraordinary nature of the visit. Rosalynn Carter’s decision to engage directly with those affected by acute issues rather than delivering a typical political speech stood out. Beyond her White House tenure, the Carters left a lasting legacy through global initiatives like election monitoring and combating the Guinea worm parasite. However, former President Carter emphasized that The Carter Center’s success would be measured by his wife’s mental health advocacy.
Rosalynn Carter‘s influential role in mental health began during Jimmy Carter’s 1966 gubernatorial campaign in Georgia. Distressed voters sharing concerns about overcrowded psychiatric hospitals deeply impacted her, driving her commitment to mental health causes for over 50 years. As the honorary co-chair of the National Commission on Mental Health during Jimmy Carter’s presidency, she played a pivotal role in the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, a landmark policy for community-based mental health treatment.
Her impact extended to The Carter Center, where a dedicated mental health program was established in 1991
Advocating for mental health equality in insurance coverage, Carter demonstrated compassion and effective mobilization skills throughout her decades-long crusade. Journalist Bill Lichtenstein praised her as the “patron saint” of mental health issues, emphasizing her efforts to combat stigma.
Carter’s influence reached beyond borders through initiatives like the mental health journalism fellowship program. Her tenacity and commitment to changing attitudes and policies made her a “woman of action,” leaving an indelible mark on mental health care and advocacy worldwide. As the news of Rosalynn Carter’s passing at the age of 96 reverberates, her enduring legacy in mental health advocacy remains a testament to a lifetime dedicated to positive change.