FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz
Lanny Abundiz, the Grant County Sheriff’s new co-responding designated crisis responder, accompanies deputies to calls where mental health issues may be involved. She also follows up with community members that may need support in facing their mental health challenges. Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete has said this program can help with recidivism, where-in mental health can have area residents in and out of jail.
JOEL MARTIN/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Lanny Abundiz began working with the Grant County Sheriff's Office earlier this month. While technically an employee of Renew, she works with deputies who encounter area residents, including suspects, facing mental health crises. She brings with her a passion for helping others and an understanding of how challenging mental health issues can be.
EPHRATA — The phrase “first responder” often conjures up a mental image of a heavily-armed person with a badge and a Taser, or a firefighter emerging from the flames covered in soot and carrying a rescued child. An unflappably calm woman with a gentle, serene voice doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But that’s what the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has in Lanny Abundiz.
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