CDC’s Guidance for Safe Handling of Remains of Ebola Patients

With recent reports of the first Ebola-related death inside the United States, questions related to the safe handling of remains of ebola patients may arise. While it is extremely unlikely that any funeral director in Arizona will be faced with this situation in the near future–and presumably state and federal health agencies would be offering additional support related to any Ebola cases–funeral homes should have the latest information to answer any questions you may have. …

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Hampton Funeral Home to be Honored at Salvation Army Dinner

On Tuesday, September 30, 2014, The Salvation Army will hold its Awards Dinner to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the welfare of the quad-city area (Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt). This year Salvation Army will recognize Butch and Cathy Hampton with the Others Award. The Others Award is the highest award a local unit of The Salvation Army can give and is awarded to a citizen or group that demonstrates concerns and commitment …

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MCDPH Office of Vital Registration: What’s New in Death Registration/Issuance?

From the MCDPH Office of Vital Registration: Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records (ADHS OVR) has disseminated the mandatory use of the new 2-Page Fillable Death Registration Worksheet.  Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration will begin enforcing the revised policy mandated to begin September 1, 2014.  Our mutual priority is to serve the community during times of grief and sorrow, maintain compliance and ensure use of the new death registration worksheet is …

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Arizona NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients

The Arizona Funeral, Cemetery and Crematory Association congratulates the owners and staff at the following Arizona funeral homes who recently were awarded the 2014 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award: Adair Funeral Homes, Tucson, Ariz. Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory, Tucson, Ariz. Congratulations! Thank you for your commitment to AFCCA’s mission of “ensuring that those who require our services receive the highest degree of professional services available, promoting continuing education, high ethical standards, and advocacy for families and professionals in …

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Obit Info Used to Commit Fraud – An NFDA Reminder

An Important Reminder from NFDA: It is unfortunate but each year, unscrupulous individuals use the identities of nearly 2.5 million deceased Americans to fraudulently open credit card accounts, apply for loans and get cellphone or other services, according to fraud prevention firm ID Analytics. Sometimes, the information contained in obituaries is used to commit fraud. As you are well aware, families often write obituaries themselves and it is standard practice to include basic information about …

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Happy Retirement to Gary Brown

The Arizona Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Association wishes Gary Brown of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries a very happy retirement! Thank you for 25 years of dedication to the industry in Arizona, including serving as past President of the Arizona Funeral Directors Association. Enjoy your time golfing and sipping fine wines. Gary’s Retirement Party was Friday, June 20th.

AFCCA Convention 2014 – Recap

(For pictures of the event, please visit Convention 2014 Pictures) Another Annual Convention is in the books and we feel that this year’s in Tucson was a great success. The Omni Tucson National was a very gracious host, with an unbelievably friendly and helpful staff. The Chef kept our bellies full with delicious foods and we slept comfortably in our beautiful Mountain Vista Suites. Both Session Days were filled with informative and engaging speakers, allowing for …

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Next AZ Intern Trainee Class – June 20 & 21

Mark your calendars, the next Intern Trainee Class will be June 20 and 21, held at the Mortuary Sciences College in Mesa, AZ. Any interested attendees may call 480-988-8501 to sign up for the class. Cost is $250.00 ARIZONA INTERN TRAINING ORIENTATION Course Description: Pursuant to Arizona SB-1342 13-1324.01 B Two (non-credit) 8 hour formal class sessions covering mandated educational training from the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for proposed intern trainee candidates. …

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Congratulations MCC Mortuary Science Class of 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014 was the graduation ceremony for the MCC Mortuary Science program; congratulations to all this year’s graduates! We would like to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients: The AFCCA William Aaron Scholarship Recipient, Melissa Bidon; The Dodge Award recipient, Bryce Bunker; and finally the David L. Speakman Award, Andrea Handley. During the ceremonies, William Aaron also congratulate the 5 MCC Mortuary Science Students that went on to Houston and received scholarships from the SCI Scholarship …

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Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers – Rule Changes

Please follow the link below for a Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers Proposed Rule Change The open meeting for discussion of these changes will be held June 18th, Wednesday @ 10:00 AM, to be held 1400 W Washington, Room 230, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Copies of agendas and minutes from prior meetings can be obtained here or by calling the Board office at (602) 542-3095.