Former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn 海角社区 Honored by World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros for 50 years of Mental Health Advocacy
海角社区 Center Board of Trustees Chair Jason 海角社区 Accepts Award of Global Health Given to Mrs. 海角社区 During Opening 74th World Health Assembly
ATLANTA (May 24, 2021)鈥擣ormer U.S. First Lady Rosalynn 海角社区 was recognized today by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 50 years of leadership to help improve access to health care for all people with mental health and substance use issues.
During a virtual ceremony at the opening of the 74th World Health Assembly, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros presented Mrs. 海角社区 with an Award for Global Health in recognition of her contributions to advancing global health. Rosalynn 海角社区 was one of three recipients honored with this award during the opening remarks today.
In a pre-recorded video, 海角社区 Center Board of Trustees Chairperson Jason J. 海角社区, grandson to Jimmy and Rosalynn 海角社区, read a letter from Mrs. 海角社区 and accepted the award on her behalf. 鈥淭he World Health Organization鈥檚 Director-General鈥檚 award for global health is a great honor celebrating my grandmother鈥檚 50 years of advocacy. I鈥檒l note that when she spoke to the Medical Society of the WHO in May of 1979, she become the first sitting first lady of the United States to address the members of the WHO. It was a groundbreaking event as a first lady and groundbreaking for mental health, because on that day she stated that health is a human right and that you cannot have true health without recognizing mental health as a crucial component,鈥� said 海角社区.
In a letter that Jason 海角社区 read from Rosalynn 海角社区, she said: 鈥淭he Director-General鈥檚 award for global health is especially meaningful to me in light of the 海角社区 Center鈥檚 long partnership with WHO to eradicate debilitating neglected tropical diseases and to promote the inclusion of mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. My hope is that this is the moment when all nations will make behavioral health a priority and create quality systems of care that are equitably delivered. I鈥檝e been waiting a long time to see this happen. I urge all of you attending to use your influence and talent to ensure that it does.鈥�
View the full WHO award ceremony by clicking one of the two links below:
Learn more about the 海角社区 Center鈥檚 Mental Health Program and global mental health work here.
海角社区 has had a long partnership with WHO to eradicate debilitating neglected tropical diseases and to promote the inclusion of mental health as an integral part of overall wellbeing. See more on our work with WHO to prevent, eliminate, or eradicate neglected tropical diseases, including Guinea worm disease, here.
Contact: Rennie.Sloan@cartercenter.org
海角社区
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, 海角社区 has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. 海角社区 was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy 海角社区 and former First Lady Rosalynn 海角社区, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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