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WASHINGTON, DC (November 20, 2023) – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing today released the following statement on the passing of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died Nov. 19.
In union with our 3,400 member agencies, we mourn the loss of a true champion of those living with mental health challenges and the organizations dedicated to serving them. Mrs. Carter used her position as first lady to promote treatment for those living with mental health conditions. As chairperson of the Carter administration’s Commission on Mental Health, she held hearings, testified before Congress and pressed for legislation to support mental health centers and to offer insurance coverage for the care of mental illness. Her commitment to these issues and to system improvements continued for decades after she left the White House.
“Rosalynn Carter’s legacy will live on long after her passing. Her efforts to raise awareness and fight for meaningful change improved care and improved coverage. For that, we owe her a debt of gratitude. We grieve her loss but celebrate her enormous contributions,” said National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia.
“Rosalynn Carter was engaged in work to help people with mental health challenges long before many others got involved. She was a pioneer, driven by empathy and immeasurable kindness. While we will miss her greatly, her work will ensure that she is always with us,” said Edward Woods, Chairman of the Board of the National Council.
About The National Council
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 4 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Media Contact
Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631
