Rosalynn Carter, transformative former first lady and mental health advocate, dies

Rosalynn Carter, transformative former first lady and mental health advocate, dies at 95

Rosalynn Carter, the transformative former first lady who used her platform to advocate for mental health and other causes, has died at the age of 95. She passed away peacefully at her home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, surrounded by family.

Carter was born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in Plains, Georgia, in 1927. She married Jimmy Carter in 1946, and the couple went on to have four children. Carter was a devoted wife and mother, and she also played an active role in her husband's political career.

When Jimmy Carter was elected president in 1976, Rosalynn Carter became one of the most active first ladies in history. She broke with tradition by holding a press briefing every week and by traveling extensively with her husband. She also used her position to advocate for a number of causes, including mental health, human rights, and environmental protection.

Carter's work on mental health was particularly groundbreaking. She was the first lady to speak openly about the importance of mental health care, and she helped to de-stigmatize mental illness. She also played a key role in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, which provided funding for mental health services.

Carter's advocacy for mental health continued after she left the White House. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Mental Health, which provides mental health services and education to people in need. She also wrote a number of books about mental health, including "Help for the Mental Disorders of Children and Adolescents" and "Within Our Reach: Ending Mental and Addictive Disorders."

Carter was a tireless champion of mental health, and her work has helped to improve the lives of millions of people. She was a true humanitarian, and she will be deeply missed.

In addition to her work on mental health, Carter was also an advocate for a number of other causes, including:

• Human rights: Carter was a vocal critic of human rights abuses around the world. She also worked to promote human rights through her work with the Carter Center, a non-profit organization that promotes peace, democracy, and human rights.
• Environmental protection: Carter was an early advocate for environmental protection. She spoke out against pollution and deforestation, and she worked to promote the use of renewable energy sources.
• Women's rights: Carter was a strong supporter of women's rights. She advocated for equal pay for equal work, and she worked to increase women's representation in politics and business.

Carter was a transformative first lady who used her platform to make a real difference in the world. She was a champion for mental health, human rights, environmental protection, and women's rights. She will be remembered as a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.