Gov. Abbott Proclaims May as Older Texans Month
Office of the Texas Governor, Greg Abbott • May 18, 2020
There are more than 3.6 million Texans over the age of 65, and these people create the strong and prosperous foundation upon which our state is built.These great Texans enrich our culture by imparting wisdom upon younger generations and inspire our communities with their hard work, vision, sacrifice, and diverse experiences.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, area agencies on aging, local authorities, and a network of other community partners are committed to strengthening our communities by connecting with and supporting older
Texans, their families, and their caregivers, as well as acknowledging the valuable contributions of Texans who are older to our state.
We can bring together all generations of Texans to enhance the lives of older Texans in our communities. The changing needs of a growing number of Texans who are older can present new challenges, but our communities will rise to that challenge to ensure older Texans receive the support they need, whether that be in health care, employment, transportation, or other areas of life.
At this time, I encourage all younger Texans to recognize, support, and engage with their older peers, which will create richer communities and increase the vibrancy of our state as a whole.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2020 to be Older Texans Month.
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 .
