Rosalyn Carter passing mourned by Carter Center Liberia opens book of Condolence in tribute to Mental Health Advocates.

Monrovia: The Carter Center Liberia Branch mourns the passing of former First Lady of the United States of America, Rosalynn Carter, who peacefully passed away at 96 in her residence in Plains, Georgia. An eminent mental health activist and humanitarian, her legacy remains cherished.

Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Rosalynn Carter attended primary and secondary school before graduating as the valedictorian of Plains High School. She pursued higher education at Georgia Southwestern College, earning her degree in 1946.

Her remarkable journey continued as she became engaged to her husband after being captivated by a picture of him in his U.S. Naval Academy uniform. They married in 1946, with Rosalynn dedicating herself to supporting her husband's career, culminating in his successful governorship of Georgia in 1970.

Rosalynn Carter's passion for mental health advocacy emerged during her tenure as Georgia's first lady. She played an integral role in her husband's victorious presidential campaign in the 1976 election, defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford.

In honor of Rosalynn Carter's enduring commitment to mental health and her advocacy for women's rights, the Carter Center-Liberia has opened a book of condolences for individuals wishing to pay their respects to the late former First Lady.

L-R: James Dorbor Jallah & Rep. Fonati Koffa

The book of condolences was inaugurated on December 4 at the Carter Center's headquarters in Sinkor, outside Monrovia. Notable government officials and dignitaries visited to bid farewell to this esteemed champion of mental health.

Among them were Deputy Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Agriculture Minister Janeh Cooper, and the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, who all solemnly signed the book on behalf of the Liberian government.

James Dorbor Jallah, the Country Director of the Carter Center, expressed that the delay in opening the book of condolences was to allow government officials to participate.

He highlighted the Carter Center's significant contributions to Liberia, especially in advancing mental health programs.

Jallah also emphasized the Center's collaboration with the Ministry of Health, leading to the establishment of a dedicated mental health unit, a significant achievement considering the initial lack of governmental focus on mental health.

“We have trained a lot of health workers to take care of mental health issues through the help of cater center and just to let you know, there was no fix budget set for mental health in Liberia.

 The government did not have time for mental health but with the support that we have had, working with the Ministry of Health, the government has been able to establish a mental health unit”. Jallah said.

The book of condolences will remain open until the end of this week, allowing more officials and partners to pay their respects to the legacy of the former First Lady of the United States of America, Rosalynn Carter.