President Carter speaks at UF

Addressed crowd about stigma of mental illness

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Former President Jimmy Carter spoke to a crowd at the University of Florida Tuesday evening about the stigma of mental illness.

President Carter's wife, Rosalynn, was scheduled to speak but could not make it.

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The President said his wife's number one interest in life is to end the mental health crisis and she dreams of the day when the stigma is gone.

"These illnesses do not discriminate.  They touch every part of our society ... the homeless, unemployed, clergy, top business executives. It's a major public health issue," said President Carter.

He said almost every person who has a mental illness can live a fair and joyful life with their family and fellow workers.

President Carter read from his wife's notes for the UF crowd:
"What is so sad is we know what to do.  Today mental illness can be diagnosed.  We have effective treatments.  We have early intervention strategies to prevent more serious problems later in life."

His event was free and open to the public.

It was sponsored by the Speakers Bureau at UF and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.