On the 125th Anniversary of the American Psychological Association, I, Antonio E. Puente, President of the society bestows on Rosalynn Carter, First Lady of the United States from 1977-1981, the American Psychological Association’s Presidential Citation.
Whereas former association president in 1982, William Bevan, PhD, provided a similar citation, it is imperative that we acknowledge not only the pioneering work on championing mental health issues that President Bevan cited some 35 years ago, but what she has done since then. We applaud and are humbled by her half a century of speaking up for those afflicted with mental illness.
In addition to Carter’s long-standing commitment to mental health, her focus on the improvement of health and human rights for all, especially outside the boundaries of our great nation. Carter’s founding of and continuing to chair the Carter Center’s Mental Health Task Force represents a beacon for all of us to follow.
From Georgia to Liberia, your focus on positive change and the de-stigmatization of mental illness has opened perspectives and horizons heretofore considered unattainable. Further, the bringing together leaders from the sciences, the professions, and the community has similarly allowed for interfacing all aspects of a persons’ well-being as well as of society’s best. One outcome of these efforts was the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, which was the foundation for the mental health aspects of the Affordable Care Act of 2010; 30 years later.
Carter’s three books with Susan K. Golant, "Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers"; "Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends and Caregivers"; "Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis" have reached and impacted millions.
For almost half a century of advocating at both the local and highest level possible, I, Antonio E. Puente, on the 125th anniversary of the American Psychological Association, hereby bestow on Carter this Presidential Citation.