Building a More Caring Society

In the White House, Rosalynn Carter continued her years of work for mental health care and services for the elderly. She promoted women's rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. Her message reached lawmakers and interest groups and touched the lives of thousands of Americans.

As a result of her efforts, the President's Commission on Mental Health was established; the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 was passed by Congress; an Office of Prevention was established at the National Institute of Mental Health; nationwide community health-care training programs were formed; and private funding for family aid, aging, youth, and handicapped facilities was increased.

At conferences across the country, the first lady and commission members listened to the advice of professionals; federal, state, and local officials; families of mentally ill; and former patients. In all, 450 private citizens contributed to the commission's policy recommendations which resulted in the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980.

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	President and Mrs. Carter at lunch in Oval Office.
	Mrs. Carter addressing the Medical Society of the World Health Organization, Geneva.
	Mrs. Carter supported grassroots efforts to help the mentally ill such as the Green Door in Washington, D.C.
	Mrs. Carter testifying before Senate Congressional Committee.
	Mrs. Carter greeting a man in nursing home.
	Rosalynn Carter's determination to improve social services for senior citizens grew from her days of campaigning. Daily visits to nursing homes across the country showed her the numbers of older people suffering loneliness or a sense of inadequacy.
	Elderly lady whispering to Mrs. Carter.
	A letter from Paul Palmer was one of many sent to the first lady thanking her for her efforts on behalf of America's older population.
	Mrs. Carter speaking at the National Women's Conference, Houston, November 1977.
	Mrs. Carter was an active supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).