FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
APHA recognizes the work of the late Jimmy Carter to improve health and human rights, both in the U.S. and around the world.
Outside of his term as president, Carter, who was 100, was well-known for his efforts with Habitat for Humanity for more than 35 years. Whether fundraising, advocating for affordable housing, or volunteering to do construction, Carter proved his commitment to social justice and human rights—which includes housing. Through Carter’s work, Habitat for Humanity has become active in all U.S. states and over 70 countries worldwide.
Carter was equally known for the work of his namesake organization, The Carter Center, which he and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter founded in 1982. Committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering, the Center has been a leader in the eradication and elimination of diseases and a pioneer in effectively treating multiple diseases at once in resource-limited countries.
“We mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter and want to pause to reflect on his life and work. Safe, affordable housing is a fundamental human right, one that is so closely connected to overall health and well-being,” APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin said. “Jimmy Carter truly dedicated his life to improve the lives of other people.”
Just three years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter joined forces with former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter, on an outreach effort to encourage all Americans to get a COVID vaccination.
Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his ongoing work to find peaceful resolutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights and promote social justice. He was also awarded the Kiwanis International Humanitarian Award; the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development; the United Nations Human Rights Award; and recognition from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases—just a handful of the many awards Carter received during his lifetime.
The nation – indeed the world – has lost a thoughtful, caring and dedicated public servant.
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When he was just weeks away from winning the election that made him president, Carter spoke at APHA's 1976 Annual Meeting. Watch the speech.
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.