Longview Times

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) – a regional association of 14 counties, cities and school districts – is expanding services for seniors including meal deliveries for those homebound during the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Our leadership has been consulting with staff, community partners, and queried recipients of services during this pandemic to identify the most significant needs for East Texas seniors,” ETCOG's Bettye Mitchell said. “We are expanding our policies to be more flexible in a COVID-19 environment, and are increasing service capacity to serve more seniors through information and referral services, the senior nutrition program, emergency food relief, public transportation support, and Alzheimer’s services.”

ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging received $2.6 million in federal COVID-19 Families First Coronavirus Response Act funds. The money will be used to increase in-home care for seniors, expand health and outreach programs, meet transportation needs, and bolster services for Alzheimer’s sufferers including purchase of ID bracelets and making available daily activity programs. Nutrition programs will be improved as well as assisting seniors with housing issues and the purchase of medical equipment and supplies as needed.

“The East Texas AAA’s CARES Act investment in vital senior support programs and services provides one example of ETCOG’s overarching commitment to help our region’s citizens, and businesses recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19,” ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland said. “ You can expect to hear more from us soon as we seek additional ways and means to support our jurisdictions and all East Texans.”