June Jackson Christmas

June Jackson Christmas (June 7, 1924 – December 31, 2023) was an American psychiatrist. She served as New York City Commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services, member of President Jimmy Carter transition team, the beneficiary of Human-Services Award, the founder of a community psychiatric program in Harlem - Harlem Rehabilitation Center. Christmas served as a member of Governor Mario Cuomo's Advisory Committee on Black Affairs.

Christmas served as vice-president of the American Psychiatric Association and the president of the Public Health Association of NYC. In 1999, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Medical Fellowships. She also was a member of Vassar's Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1989. She was an executive director of the Urban Issues Group, an organization with focus on issues specific to New Yorkers of African descent.

Early life and education June Jackson Christmas was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 7, 1924.

Christmas was one of the first Black students admitted to Vassar College, where she graduated with a B.S. in zoology. She then earned a medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine.

Christmas was appointed Commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services on August 16, 1972, by New York Mayor John Lindsay. In 1976 she was part of the Jimmy Carter presidential campaign as a health advisor, and subsequently as part the Carter transition team, leading the transition of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare from Republican to Democratic hands.

Personal life and death Christmas and her husband Walter had three children and four grandchildren.