Area Agency on Aging to host 32nd Annual REACH Conference to Educate Individuals Who Work with Seniors

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • September 18, 2023

October 4-5 in Longview, TX

More than two hundred area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the 32nd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next week. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 4-5 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.

 

“We are thrilled to present our 32nd annual REACH Conference, ‘Taking Care While Giving Care.’  This conference is for the professional and personal caregivers who are giving so much of themselves to care for our elders. We know that caregiving is a challenging but rewarding role, and we want to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive," said AAA Director Colleen Halliburton.

 

The 32nd REACH Conference offers a wide range of topics related to aging, including:

  • The physical and emotional challenges of aging
  • How to take care of yourself while you are caring for an older adult
  • Legal and financial issues related to aging
  • Resources and support for professional and personal caregivers
  • Research on aging


Keynote speaker presentations include:

  • Unforgettable: The Power of Partnership in the Pursuit of Justice and Equity in Dementia Research, Care, and Support - Carl Hill, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association; and Garrett Davis, Award Winning Playwright
  • Did COVID Give Me PTSD? – Tam Cummings, Ph.D., Dementia Expert;
  • Equity and Inclusion: Closing the Health Disparities Gap in Communities of Color – Garrett Davis, Award Winning Playwright
  • You Got the Right Stuff – Dr. Timothy McNeil, Sr., Founding Pastor of the Community Fellowship Church
  • Seeing the other side of Dementia and Living with Lewy Body Dementia – Luanne Harms, Dementia Expert
  • Generational Caregiving – The McAnally Family


This conference provides an opportunity to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for ethics, social work, License Professional Counselors, Activity Directors, and Long Term Care Administrators. REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. To register for the event or for more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500 or visit our conference website at www.aaa-reachconference.org.


People raising hands in a bright community hall with colorful tablecloths and folding chairs

Marshall-Harrison County Health District to Host “Navigating Aging” Class

By Marshall - Harrison County Health Department • July 13, 2026
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
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