SAN DIEGO – Longtime social and political activist Midge Costanza is in failing health.

Ashley Hoffmann said Costanza is in the intensive care unit at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, and is on life support.

She reportedly received a telephone call yesterday from President Jimmy Carter.

Costanza campaigned for Carter in 1976 and gave one of the seconding speeches for him at the Democratic National Convention.

After his election, Carter named Costanza a presidential assistant for public liaison, and moved her into an office next door. She was part of the “president's window to the nation," consulting with a wide array of groups. She made history by becoming the first White House official to meet with LGBT leaders and acknowledge the need for gay rights.

Costanza moved to San Diego in 1990. She currently works for District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

She is the founder of the Midge Costanza Institute For the Study of Politics and Public Policy in San Diego.

A biography on Costanza can be found at glbtq.com.

Tryce Czyczynska, host of Coffee & Conversation at the Center, expects that the Women's Lecture Series event scheduled for Thursday, March 18, will be largely devoted to Costanza and her widespread influence on gay rights and the San Diego community. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at The Center, 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.