Remembering President Carter with Timothy's Law

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The late former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter were known for their advocacy. NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski spoke with Tom O'Clair about his encounters with the couple while advocating for Timothy's Law.

"A little over twenty years ago, I was working on Timothy's Law here in New York State. New York State's mental health parity law named for my youngest son who took his own life," said O'Clair.

Passed in 2006, Timothy's Law protects against discrimination from insurance companies when it comes to mental-health care. Tom said that Timothy's treatment was turned away by their carrier.

Rosalynn Carter invited O'Clair to speak during a webcast on mental health for youth in 2005. After, they all sat down for dinner.

"It was very surreal. I had always admired the Carters with not only the presidency but their efforts with Habitat for Humanity, their mental health efforts and other things that they were involved in," explained O'Clair.

O'Clair credits the Carters for getting Timothy's Law passed when it did, calling New York one of the best states for mental health coverage. "Everything they [the President and First Lady] did in life was in a partnership. It was the both of them. We had some very thoughtful and thought-provoking discussions."

He also has advice for anyone looking to continue the Carters' legacy of helping others.

"You don't even need the skills. If you have the desire, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. It gives you a sense of being and a sense of completion to see what you’ve done for somebody else."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be reached by calling 988 or by texting TALK to 741741.