Less than a week ago, America lost not only its oldest former First Lady, but also a prominent advocate for the mentally ill.  Rosalynn Carter was 96 when she passed at her and her husband’s home in Georgia.  From the time of President Jimmy Carter’s first run for Governor of Georgia until her death, a timespan of over 50 years, she worked to better the treatment of and end the stigma against mental illness. 

Although the definition goes beyond this, the National Institute of Health, in 2022, stated, “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a host of psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems.”  While, traditionally, a traumatic brain injury is considered to be a separate entity from mental illness, the possible symptoms are similar, if not identical.  Ms. Carter likely considered it so, as speaking about her advocacy, she has mentioned visiting facilities/institutions that housed troops who suffered from PTSD and TBI.  In a discussion at the JFK Library, she noted a Columbia University study that stated that 85% of Americans consider mental illness to be a neurological illness.  If nothing else, traumatic brain injury is a neurological illness.

As President, Jimmy Carter enacted the greatest overhaul of the mental health system in America to date.  The next major expansion of the system was enacted in 2002, by President George W. Bush.  Ms. Carter has only positive statements about this action, as she put cause above party.  In 1987, Ms. Carter founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, saying, “Those giving care often do so at a great personal sacrifice of time, energy, and income… So many people giving care to their loved ones feel isolated, inadequate, despairing.  At a time when more and more Americans are called to give care, it is critically important that we do all we can to support caregivers.” Recently, in May 2023, it was revealed that Ms. Carter was suffering from dementia.

The private funeral for Ms. Carter will be held on Monday, November 27th in Plains, Georgia.  Her husband of more than 77 years, who is receiving home hospice care, will be in attendance, as will her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Americans should remember Rosalynn Carter, not only for her time as First Lady, but for her advocacy for mental illness, including traumatic brain injury, and their caregivers.  (“In lieu of flowers, the Carter family is requesting that those interested consider contributing to the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.”)