Debriefing in the Funeral Home: An effective tool to de-stress

While speaking at an event for funeral service professionals, I asked, “How do you de-stress after a difficult call?” A participant’s hand went up, “I go shopping.” Another hand went up, “I listen to heavy metal music.” ” src=”cid:image005.png@01D94C35.2E971050″ alt=”” align=”right” hspace=”12″ v:shapes=”Picture_x0020_2″ class=”Apple-web-attachment Singleton” style=”width: 2.3166in; height: 2.3166in; opacity: 1;”>No one else offered a … Read more

Calling All Aspiring Leaders: Be a Part of the NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program

National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has begun accepting applications for the 2023-24 National Emerging Leaders Program. This program, which launched in 2021, helps funeral service professionals develop leadership skills that will serve them well in any setting they may find themselves – their funeral home, their state or national association, their community, and beyond. The … Read more

AFCCA Advocacy Updates February 15 – SB1210

Today, February 15, was the Commerce Committee hearing on SB1210 (review introduced version here). There was an amendment offered from the floor (review amendment document here) that was accepted by the committee. The key points of the amendment are: Writes back in the Embalmer License Implements an Advisory Counsel within DHS made up of four … Read more

AFCCA Advocacy Updates February 1 – SB1210

The draft bill/Act SB1210, to revise the Funeral and Embalmers Statutes and Rules was dropped on January 25, 2023 and can be reviewed here. A meeting was held on Monday, January 30 between Senator Kaiser plus staff, and representation from Messingers and AFCCA. Our key points of discussion were: Writing back in the Embalmer License … Read more

Congratulations Alexis Garbrick – Selected Independent Educational Trust Second-Career Scholarship Recipient

Reposted from Selected Trust The Board of Trustees of the Selected Educational Trust is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Fall Cycle Second-Career Scholarship Program. The winners are Alexis Garbrick and Kurtis Wilkinson.  This cycle of the Trust’s signature scholarship program is sponsored by the Davis Whitehall Company and was created to meet … Read more

2023 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference: Growing Stronger, Together

Women and non-binary individuals who want to build empathy, trust, confidence and resilience in their professional and personal lives should plan to attend the 2023 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Professional Women’s Conference. This inspiring and uplifting conference will take place May 5-7 at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Registration opens March 13. … Read more

AFCCA Advocacy Updates – January 10 Committee of Reference Hearing Recap

On Tuesday, the House and Senate held a Committee of Reference hearing to discuss the Funeral Board. The video from Tuesday’s COR hearing can be viewed here: Video Player (azleg.gov). The Funeral Board discussion starts at the 2-hour, 50-minute mark. As expected from our discussion with Sen. Kaiser prior to the hearing, the Auditor General provided … Read more

Lifesaving Partnerships

By Christy E. Liddicoat LFD, LE, LC Soon after entering Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s (CGCC) Mortuary Science Program, students realize the purpose of their role in funeral service is to honor a life that was lived and to support those left behind by a loss. An important element of this role is for a funeral service … Read more