About the Presentation: Elizabeth Anez, Community Behavioral Health Manager for Pierce County Department of Human Service, presented an overview of Pierce County’s Crisis Services and the support available to individuals and families experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The presentation highlighted the crisis office hours and response services, the Co-Responder Program and partnership with local law enforcement, and the role of Peer Support Services in connecting individuals with recovery-focused, community-based support. She also discussed how these programs work together to provide timely intervention, to connect people to appropriate resources, and to help individuals receive support in the community whenever possible. Click READ MORE to read about Elizabeth Anez and her colleagues who spoke.
About the Speaker: Elizabeth Anez currently serves as the Community Behavioral Health Manager for Pierce County Department of Human Services, where she oversees a variety of behavioral health programs, including outpatient mental health and substance use services, crisis services, Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), and the Community Support Program (CSP). She has spent much of her career working in behavioral health and human services, with experience in clinical practice, program development, crisis response, and leadership. Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work through St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas.
Kyle VanBlaircom and Samantha Bush spoke about their roles and experiences as peer support specialists as part of the crisis program.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has been especially passionate about developing programs that make behavioral health services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community. She says that she values collaboration and has had the opportunity to work closely with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and other community partners to strengthen the way we support individuals and families experiencing mental health and substance use concerns.
On a personal note, Elizabeth is a wife and mom to seven-year-old Jackson, who keeps life busy and entertaining. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active and working out, and being involved in community. Both personally and professionally, helping others is very important to her, and she is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use and making it easier for people to reach out for help when they need it.