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Health Programs Overview

Global 2000, Mental Health

At The Carter Center, we work to build hope in some of the world's most impoverished and forgotten communities. The Global 2000 programs prevent the suffering of millions of people around the world from diseases often ignored by others. Many of the most severe afflictions are entirely preventable. Yet people living in developing nations die or are disabled because they do not have access to the services they need to treat their illness or avoid infection entirely. Every day our experts show people how they can take steps to transform their own lives.

TheMental Health Program, founded by Rosalynn Carter, works in many avenues to reduce the stigma shrouding mental illnesses. According to the first-ever surgeon general's report on mental health, released in December 1999, in the United States alone, mental illnesses are the second leading cause of disability, and mental disorders affect one in five Americans.

Program Preferences:

• Strong academic record with displayed interest in the program of your choice
• Advanced research, writing, and analytical skills
• English proficiency
• Basic technological proficiency (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Internet)
• Familiarity with research databases
• Real-world experience: previous work/internship experience and/or study abroad
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Positive attitude, curiosity, flexibility, resourcefulness, and enthusiasm for the work of The Carter Center

 

 

Global 2000 Program

Global 2000, Mental Health

Global 2000works to alleviate human suffering by providing technical expertise and support to national programs to build strong systems for the prevention and treatment of diseases.  People living in developing nations die or are disabled because they do not have access to the services they need to treat their illness or avoid infection entirely. Every day our experts show people how they can take steps to transform their own lives.  One tool becoming increasingly important for the health programs is the use of Geographic Information System (GIS).  The health programs continue to improve the way data is analyzed and presented through GIS, which has led to improved ways of planning interventions.

Some of the targeted diseases include:

• Guinea worm. Poised to become the next disease after smallpox to be wiped off the face of the Earth, eradication efforts are rejuvenating communities throughout Africa, enabling children to return to school and farmers to their fields. The Center spearheads the international campaign, which has reduced cases by more than 99.7 percent since 1986.
  
• Trachoma. As part of the effort to control the leading cause of preventable blindness, The Carter Center has supported improved sanitation and hygiene to improve the conditions through which the disease is spread.  In addition, the program helps to distribute antibiotics to prevent blinding trachoma and supports surgery to correct permanent damage caused by infection.
  
• River blindness.  Since 1996, 100 million treatments in 11 endemic countries in Latin America and Africa have been distributed. The Carter Center is leading the drive to eradicate this debilitating disease where it occurs in the Americas by the end of the decade.
  
• Schistosomiasis. Building on village-based drug distribution systems now in place in Nigeria to prevent river blindness, the Center is reducing incidences of the parasitic disease, enhancing children's abilities to grow, develop, and learn.
  
• Lymphatic filariasis. The same health care delivery infrastructure in Nigeria also is helping to prevent and treat lymphatic filariasis, a disfiguring and shame-ridden disease afflicting the poorest of the poor.
  
• Malaria.  By distributing 3 million long-lasting insecticidal bed nets in Ethiopia, the Center aims to protect 18 million people at risk for contracting the deadly mosquito-borne infection.

Number of Interns per Semester: 1

Program Preferences:

• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, working knowledge of ArcView 3.x, working knowledge of ArcGIS 9.3, and skill in map creation using cartographic techniques
  
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and coordinate work schedule with a wide variety of individuals and program interests

Typical Projects:

• Conduct GIS needs assessment of health programs
  
• Performs projects related to the operations and analysis of health program data under the supervision of technical directors
  
• Maintains program databases and prepares reports on GIS capabilities
  
• Assists system users with new and existing applications

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Mental Health Program

Global 2000,  Mental Health

 
The Mental Health Programpromotes polices and practices that advance the prevention of mental illnesses and lead to improved mental health and social functioning. The program's four main goals are to:

• Reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses;
  
• Foster early education about mental health;
  
• Promote the equitable treatment of mental illnesses;
  
• Improve services for people with mental illnesses globally. 

The work of the program is guided by the Mental Health Task Force, which is chaired by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter has been a driving force in the field of mental health throughout her career. Similar to other programs at The Carter Center, the Mental Health Program achieves its goals by networking and partnering with other organizations. Specific projects that address these priorities vary as opportunities arise.

Number of Interns per Semester: 3

Program Preferences:

• Interest in health care issues
  
• Coursework/fieldwork in Psychology, Public Health, Medicine, Public Policy, or a related area
  
• Strong writing and critical analysis skills

Typical Projects:

• Research and develop PowerPoint presentations for the director's frequent lectures and keynote presentations
  
• Assist with all aspects of planning for program initiatives (annual symposium, Georgia Mental Health Forum, and Journalism Fellowship meeting)
  
• Assist with coordination of program special public events
  
• Keep staff up-to-date on current mental health issues (over time it has been parity, returning veterans issues, children's issues, etc.)

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