Rosalynn Carter

Rosalynn Carter became the first presidential candidate’s wife to make a campaign promise — she would work to reform legislation on behalf of the mentally ill. One of her proudest moments as First Lady was the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. Rosalynn’s dedication to those who suffer from mental health issues and the stigma associated with them continued throughout her life. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1988 to advocate for the well-being of those who care for others facing long-term illnesses or disabilities. Her humanitarian causes spanned internationally on issues of social justice and human rights.