Advocacy
Caregivers serve as the invisible frontline of our nation’s healthcare system– providing compassionate care to tens of millions of people each year – and yet systems to support them are fragmented, inaccessible, and oftentimes nonexistent.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
We can change it, together.
RCI’s advocacy efforts seek to redesign structures and systems to proactively center caregivers’ health and wellbeing.
Centering Caregivers at the Federal Level
Despite a wide array of caregiver support programs scattered across the federal government, caregivers often struggle to navigate a disjointed system, fail to qualify for the types of benefits they need, and find that the resources available to them are not sufficient or timely.
Recognizing the need for better systems of support for America’s 53 million caregivers, our founder, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made a bold proposal: establish a new Office of Caregiver Health within the federal government to elevate and center caregivers like never before.
– Rosalynn Carter
Office of Caregiver Health
Establishing a federal office focused on the health and wellbeing of caregivers would demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to acknowledging caregivers and their invaluable contributions to our nation’s health and economy.
An Office of Caregiver Health would elevate and focus unprecedented federal representation, investment, and coordination of caregiver support across federal agencies. Leadership at this level would ensure that family caregivers are represented in health policy, regulation, program, and budget negotiations. A centralized office can dismantle silos that are barriers to progress by creating ways to consider the universal needs of caregivers, regardless of care recipient condition and payer. With a focus on family caregivers, the Office of Caregiver Health could coordinate programs, reduce complexity, prevent duplication, and offer caregivers a clear point of entry for resources and supports.
Invisible Until the Pandemic, Family Caregivers Are Now on the Front lines
Office of Caregiver Health Support Letter to the White House
Add your organization/sign-on to the letter of support for the Office of Caregiver Health.
We greatly appreciate your support on this initiative.
Advocating for Change
Family caregivers represent a powerful constituency, capable of making meaningful impact. Together, we can build robust systems of support that truly meets caregiver needs, regardless of where they are in their journey. We can advocate for a world where every caregiver has access to financial support, respite, mental health services, support from a well-compensated care workforce, and so much more.
Together, we can build a better future for caregivers.
Join the 4Kinds Network
RCI’s caregiver advocacy and peer-support network. Through the 4Kinds Network, RCI is mobilizing former and current caregivers to harness their collective power so that they may be recognized, respected, and resourced in all the ways they deserve.
Advocacy and Action
RCI, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation Recognize Family Caregivers
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) recently honored five family caregivers with Mattie J.T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarships, which provide financial assistance to family caregivers.
Rosalynn Carter Institute Hosts National Conversation on Caregiving
Today, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) convened “Caregiving in the 21st Century: A National Conversation” at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Bringing together advocates, philanthropists, business leaders, and others, RCI is reinvigorating the conversation around caregiving and shining a spotlight on the emerging public health crisis caregivers face every day.
Rosalynn Carter Institute to Honor Extraordinary Georgia Caregivers at 2019 Caregiver of the Year Awards
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) honored the work of Georgia’s extraordinary caregivers at RCI’s 2019 Caregiver of the Year Awards Ceremony. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter presented this year’s awards to three caregivers who have gone above and beyond their call of duty.
Bob Woodruff Foundation and Qatar Harvey Fund Support Expansion of Operation Family Caregiver into Texas Gulf Coast
Americus, GA – The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) announced today that its signature military caregiving program, Operation Family Caregiver (OFC),
Op-ed from Rosalynn Carter: Ask 2020 candidates for their agenda on family caregiving
As you prepare to interview and evaluate the next set of presidential candidates, I ask you to help me shine a spotlight on the more than 40 million Americans and over 300,000 Iowans who are family caregivers. You may not be one, but you most certainly know one.
Delaware Adopts Rosalynn Carter Institute’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Program
Americus, GA – The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) is pleased to announce a multi-year agreement with the
Rosalynn Carter Institute and The ALS Association of Georgia Announce Partnership
Rosalynn Carter Institute and The ALS Association of Georgia Announce Partnership Americus, GA – The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
2019 Mattie J.T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarship Applications Open
RCI’s Caregiving Scholarship recipients will receive $2,000 Americus, GA – The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) is pleased
Rosalynn Carter Institute Calls for Caregiver of the Year Nominations
Awards Recognize Outstanding Georgians Who Tirelessly Dedicate Themselves to Others AMERICUS, GEORGIA — The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
Rosalynn Carter Institute Recognizes Older Americans Month 2017: ‘Age Out Loud!’
Rosalynn Carter Institute Recognizes Older Americans Month 2017: ‘Age Out Loud!’ AMERICUS, GEORGIA (May 3, 2017) — Each year,
Three Georgia-based Caregivers Receive Caregiver of the Year Awards
Three Georgia-based Caregivers Receive Caregiver of the Year Awards Caregivers Honored at Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Summit by
Other RCI Resources
Our Programs
Caregiving can be a fulfilling journey, but it can also be challenging – resulting in significant mental, physical, and financial strain on the caregiver.
Strategic Initiatives
Through a portfolio of research projects and strategic initiatives, RCI is working to answer key questions about caregiver demographics, health, needs, and existing supports.
WORKING WHILE CARING
One in five full time employees is also providing care for someone who is aging, ill, disabled, outside of thier paid job