AAA Director Awarded National Violence Prevention Award
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 30, 2021
Congratulations, Bettye Mitchell, Director of the Area Agency on Aging
The East Texas Council of Governments is pleased to announce the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence
(NPEIV) has selected our Director of the Area Agency on Aging, Bettye Mitchell, to receive the Paul Fink Interpersonal Violence Prevention Award.
Each year, the NPEIV seeks to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to our understanding of how multiple forms of violence are related and the importance of addressing them through developing and implementing an integrated violence prevention approach. Bettye is recognized as one of those who influence positive change in the field of interpersonal violence prevention.
This award was named to honor the work of the late Paul Fink, a longtime Clinical Psychiatry News Columnist, and Editorial Adviser, and a key leader in the field of psychiatry, working to prevent child abuse and trauma.
"Bettye has done an outstanding job leading our Aging team since her arrival here at ETCOG. She selflessly gives her time to the aging community and continues her advocacy as a voice for seniors in our area. I am glad to see NPEIV agrees with what we have known for quite some time: Bettye is one of the very best leaders in the entire nation. We are blessed to have her here in East Texas!" said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.
Bettye has championed the plight of vulnerable communities for over 40 years throughout her career and personal advocacy efforts. She began her career with the Texas Department of Human Services, transferring to one of the first Adult Protective Services units in the early 1980s and becoming the Regional Director of the Austin Region. Bettye also served as Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the Department of Human Services.
Bettye joined ETCOG in April 2012 and has continued to find ways to improve the lives of persons growing older and with disabilities.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
