Hundreds Who Work with Seniors Will Join Us at Annual REACH Conference

East Texas AAA • October 1, 2019

October 2 -3, 2019 at Maude Cobb Activity Center in Longview

crowd of people networking at conference
Approximately 350 nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers and those who work with the senior population will receive training October 2 and 3, 2019, at the 28th Annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving and Healthcare) at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview. The Conference is hosted each year by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) which is administered by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).

The conference, themed “Playing to Win!” features distinguished speakers, dynamic panel discussions, and various networking opportunities.

“Once again, there is a distinguished line-up of speakers set to take the stage and captivate the audience at this two-day event. Taking into consideration the diversity of aging concerns, we have attempted to include local, state and national service providers and educators to address a variety of topics that may be of interest to anyone who works with older adults, their caregivers, or their families,” says Bettye Mitchell, Director of Aging Programs for the Area Agency on Aging.

Special keynote presentations include: LaDonna Gatlin – Tune Up Your Life, sister of the legendary country stars The Gatlin Brothers, LaDonna delivers solid content that equips audiences to “reach for the high notes” in life; Justin Jones-Fosu -Your WHY matters NOW, Justin will challenge the audience to identify or reconnect with their purpose and live it out now; Carmen Irwin – Medicare 2020, bringing policy, program and reimbursement updates for the Medicare program; Mark and Daniel Seguin – Cyber Security Training, offering techniques to drastically reduce chances of a costly data breach; Bettye Mitchell and Beverly J. Brown of the Area Agency on Aging – Come Let’s Talk: Senior Needs in Our Community, opening the dialogue on service delivery needs of our older adults, particularly in the most rural and remote communities in the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from over 30 courses and achieve CEU credits at the conference. 

REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500 or visit our website at www.aaa-reachconference.org. 

Media Contact:
(903) 218-6442
By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • October 6, 2026
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • September 1, 2026
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
Show More