Washington, D.C.— The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today pays tribute to the life of Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and staunch proponent of mental health awareness and access. Along with First Lady Rosalynn Carter, an Honorary Fellow of the APA, his advocacy changed lives.

President Carter signed into law the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, funding mental health care at the community level and marking a tremendous step forward. He also created the Presidential Commission on Mental Health, which helped lay the groundwork for achieving mental health parity. After his presidency concluded, he and Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, which won the APA’s Organizational Distinguished Service award in 2001.

President Carter’s impact on mental health in this country touched the lives of millions of people and his humanitarian efforts changed the world. The APA honors his record and will work to carry out his legacy in its efforts to promote universal and equitable access to the highest quality care for all people affected by mental health disorders.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,900 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.