Herman (MS ’14, journalism) receives Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism fellowship

Illinois Public Media reporter Christine Herman (MS ’14, journalism) wrapped up her 2018-19 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism fellowship year in Atlanta in September. She had the honor of presenting her reporting on mental health to the former president and first lady and their Board of Councilors. 

She wrote about her experience:

“I had the honor of presenting my reporting on mental health to former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter (and their 200-member Board of Councilors, which included Consul Generals from around the world).

“I told them about the parents I met in central Illinois struggling to access mental health treatment for their child in crisis, because of insurance denials, wait lists and other barriers. I told them about the thousands of people with mental illness who are incarcerated in Illinois prisons and not receiving treatment. I thanked Mrs. Carter for the support of the Rosalynn Carter mental health journalism fellowship, and for the training on how to report on mental illness with compassion, sensitivity and in a way that reduces stigma. President Carter shook my hand and said I did a great job.

“Now I'm leaving the Carter Center in Atlanta to return to my sweet little family who I miss so much, after being away for three jam-packed days of training and encouragement in this work. I'll return back to my small local newsroom to keep at it. I feel so grateful and reenergized to continue shining a light on these issues.”