Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced a resolution honoring Rosalynn Smith Carter for her many years of mental health advocacy during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter was a stalwart advocate for mental health in this country and helped to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, as well as increase access to mental health care,” said Rep. Carter. “Her many years of advocacy and service have no doubt saved countless lives of those affected by mental health disorders and substance use disorders. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and serves as a perfect time to honor the remarkable former First Lady for the life of service that she so faithfully led.”

“Former First Lady Rosalynn Smith Carter used her powerful voice and passion for mental health care to force a long overdue reckoning in our nation. At a time when many saw mental health conditions as weakness, Mrs. Carter chose compassion and empathy to see the humanity and strength in patients who deserved treatment and care. While there’s still progress to be made, I’m proud to join Rep. Buddy Carter to continue honoring her legacy, because we could not have come this far without her tireless work and advocacy,” said Congresswoman Dingell. 

"Mrs. Carter has been called "the First Lady of mental health" for good reason. She fought to erase the stigma against people with mental illnesses and to increase access to mental health care for more than 50 years. Thank you, Representative Carter and Representative Dingell, for helping to elevate Mrs. Carter's incredible legacy of mental health advocacy and for supporting the critical work The Carter Center continues to do in her name," said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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