Jimmy Carter hospitalized for dehydration after building houses in Canada
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was treated at a hospital after becoming dehydrated while helping to build houses in Canada for Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity issued a statement that reads: "President Carter was dehydrated working in the hot sun in Winnipeg during the Carter Work Project. President Carter told us he is okay and is being taken offsite for observation. He encourages everyone to stay hydrated and keep building."
Statement from #HabitatforHumanity CEO Jonathan Reckford on Jimmy Carter from #HabitatCWP. pic.twitter.com/u0KxTtm3I3
— Habitat for Humanity (@Habitat_org) July 13, 2017
A statement from The Carter Center added: "As a precaution, he was transported to St. Boniface General Hospital for rehydration. Mrs. Carter is with him."
His grandson, Jason, offered reassurances about Mr. Carter's condition.
From @Habitat_org: Pres Carter was dehydrated working in hot sun. He's okay. He encouraged everyone to stay hydrated and keep building!
— Jason Carter (@SenatorCarter) July 13, 2017
The 92-year-old former president is known for his post-presidential humanitarian work, and he and his wife, Rosalynn, have been prominent backers of the Atlanta-based Habitat for Humanity.
This week's project building houses in several Canadian communities is the 34th time the Carters have pitched in on Habitat projects, lending a hand and their name to promote the work.
Carter was diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain in 2015 but announced in March of the following year that he no longer needed treatment. Carter continued to volunteer for Habitat while being treated for cancer, working alongside volunteers at a home in Memphis in November 2015.