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
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
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 .
