Long-time behavioral health employee given sendoff

Friends and colleagues gathered in the Plumas County Board of Supervisors chamber on Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, to honor their coworker Jacque Martinez Blanton, who was retiring after 29 years. Eliza Fletcher discussed Jacque’s positive attitude and tireless work ethic that she brought to her position. While working at Behavioral Health, Jacque earned both her bachelor’s and her master’s degrees in social work. She worked as a case manager and ultimately became responsible for the drop-in center and the Sierra House. Fletcher said Jacque was beloved by her coworkers and her clients and “leaves a lasting legacy.”

After being presented with a certificate and flowers, Jacque said a few words. “Thank God for blessing me with 29 years at Behavioral Health,” she said, and described how much she enjoyed working with all of her clients. She thanked interim Behavioral Health Director Sharon Sousa for stepping in to fill the vacated role, as well “all the staff that I worked with throughout the years.” She told the supervisors,  “You have a dedicated team” and they should be recognized and compensated as such. Jacque also thanked her family who accommodated her on-call hours and her school schedule while working full-time.