Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady of the United States, dedicated her life to advocating for mental health. Her journey began during her husband's 1966 campaign for governor when she spoke with Georgia families struggling to access mental health services for their loved ones. In June 1979, Rosalynn Carter visited the Laconia State School in New Hampshire, a 75-year-old institution that had been criticized by the U.S. Justice Department for its deplorable conditions. Accompanied by Governor Hugh Gallen, she connected with the staff, children, and parents at the facility, demonstrating her genuine concern for mental health issues.

Following their time in the White House, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter launched numerous programs through The Carter Center, including monitoring elections worldwide and efforts to eradicate the Guinea worm parasite. However, Jimmy Carter himself stated that the center's success would be attributed to his wife's work in the field of mental health. Kathy Cade, the vice chair of The Carter Center, praised Rosalynn Carter's impact on mental health care, access to care, and changing public perception of mental health and mental illness. Cade described her as a leader whose concern for the issue and perseverance spanned over 50 years.

Rosalynn Carter's commitment to mental health began during her husband's gubernatorial campaign in Georgia in 1966. Voters would approach her daily, sharing their distress about their loved ones who were housed in overcrowded psychiatric hospitals. One encounter with a weary cotton mill worker whose mentally ill daughter required constant care deeply affected her. This encounter motivated her to approach her husband and question his plans to help people with mental illness if he became governor. Jimmy Carter responded by creating a state commission to improve mental health services. As president, he established a national commission on mental health, resulting in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. Rosalynn Carter played a pivotal role as the commission's honorary co-chair, traveling across the country to gather insights from experts and citizens and sharing her findings with Congress. Although the act was later repealed, it provided a foundation for future progress.

At The Carter Center, Rosalynn Carter founded a program dedicated exclusively to mental health in 1991. She also advocated for landmark legislation that required insurers to provide equal coverage for mental health. Those who worked alongside her praised her compassion, listening skills, and ability to mobilize and inspire others. Cynthia Wainscott, a former board chair of Mental Health America, emphasized Carter's kindness, attentiveness, and ability to make individuals feel heard. Wainscott also highlighted Carter's strategic instincts, recalling an instance when Carter suggested consulting a pollster to refine a key message about mental health. This resulted in greater public understanding and support for mental health issues.

Bill Lichtenstein, a journalist and producer, referred to Rosalynn Carter as the "patron saint" for individuals dealing with mental health or behavioral issues. Lichtenstein, who battled manic depression himself, praised Carter's efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Lichtenstein serves on the board of advisors for The Carter Center's mental health journalism fellowship program, which has provided support to over 220 journalists worldwide. Marion Scher, a South African journalist and fellowship recipient, witnessed the impact of Carter's initiatives in her own country. Scher's article on mental health received an overwhelming response, with people reaching out for support, demonstrating the profound effect of Carter's work.

Rosalynn Carter's tenacity and determination played a crucial role in expanding mental health journalism fellowships through The Carter Center. Holly Ramer, an Associated Press reporter and Rosalynn Carter Fellowship recipient, attested to the impact of the program. Carter's willingness to take action and brainstorm innovative solutions inspired her team at The Carter Center to constantly question what more they could do to create change.

Rosalynn Carter's unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and her ability to effect change through compassion, listening, and mobilization have left a lasting impact on the field. Her legacy extends beyond her time as First Lady, as her work and initiatives continue to transform mental health care and reduce stigma globally.