What We’re Seeing: Alternative Disposition Is Becoming a Bigger Part of the Conversation

The choices families have for final disposition continue to evolve, and conversations happening across the country suggest funeral professionals can expect more questions about options beyond traditional burial and flame cremation. At a recent meeting of state funeral association executives, leaders discussed what they’re seeing in their own states. Kentucky reported receiving inquiries about both aquamation and terramation, including an inquiry from a state legislator. Vermont, where human composting has been legal for several years, …

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Member Spotlight: Mountain View Brings Community Together Through Annual Pet Blessing

For funeral and cemetery professionals, community connection doesn’t have to begin when a family experiences a death. Sometimes it starts with opening the doors, inviting people in and creating a reason to gather. This October, Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa will host its annual Pet Blessing, welcoming families and their pets for a morning celebrating the special bond people share with the animals in their lives. The event will be held October …

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AFCCA September Legislative Update

Provided by Arizona Capitol Consulting September marks the shift from the 2026 legislative session to implementation and preparation for 2027. Most laws passed during the regular session took effect on September 12. Our quarterly board meeting with the Arizona Department of Health Services was productive, and implementation of the new rules remain underway. We are continuing to assist the Department and provide industry input as needed. State Revenue Indicators JLBC’s September Monthly Fiscal Highlights show …

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Supplier Partner Spotlight: A New Way for Funeral Homes to Continue Caring for Families

The service may end, but a family’s grief doesn’t. For funeral homes, continuing care can be an important way to stay connected with families in the months following a death. Finding the staff time to manage a consistent aftercare program, however, can be another challenge entirely. AFCCA Supplier Partner Hope Through Healing has introduced a new Continuing Care Program designed to help funeral homes provide that ongoing connection without adding the mailing schedule to their …

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Arizona’s Bradbury Memorial Center Earns National Recognition for Excellence

The Arizona Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Association is proud to congratulate Bradbury Memorial Center in Lake Havasu City on receiving the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2026 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Bradbury Memorial Center is among 301 funeral home locations worldwide recognized for an exceptional commitment to serving families and communities while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. The NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award honors funeral homes that continually raise the standard of funeral service …

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AFCCA Legislative Updates – August 2026

With the 2026 legislative session adjourned, attention has shifted to implementing new laws, the November General Election, and preparations for the 2027 session. Around Arizona State Government Colorado River policy remains a major focus as the federal government finalized new operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Arizona will account for 760,000 acre-feet in reductions under the Lower Basin states’ agreement. Longer-term negotiations among the seven Basin states remain unresolved, keeping water policy at …

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Crematory Operations Certification Returns Within Driving Distance This October

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to earn your Crematory Operations Certification without traveling across the country, this October brings one of the closest training opportunities we’ve seen in quite some time. On October 12, 2026, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) will host its nationally recognized Crematory Operations Certification Program (COCP) in Loveland, Colorado. For many Arizona funeral and cemetery professionals, this offers a convenient opportunity to complete the industry’s leading certification …

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Supporting Veteran Families Starts with Understanding VA Burial Benefits

When a veteran passes away, families often turn to their funeral director or cemetery professional for guidance during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Understanding the burial and memorial benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can help you provide clear answers, ease uncertainty, and ensure veterans receive the honors they have earned. To support funeral and cemetery professionals, the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has released several new resources …

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New Children’s Grief Resources Available for Funeral Professionals and Families

Supporting a family through the death of a child is one of the most difficult and meaningful responsibilities in funeral service. To help funeral professionals provide compassionate guidance during these moments, the Funeral Service Foundation has released several new grief resources developed in collaboration with the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief. Available at little or no cost, these resources are designed to give funeral professionals practical tools they can …

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Arizona Primary Election Recap  

Arizona’s July 21st primary saw roughly 1.14 million ballots cast statewide. Early and mail-in ballots made up the large majority of that total, with over 800,000 ballots cast before Election Day. Here is a breakdown of every legislative race by district heading into the general election. Don’t know your legislative district? Click here to find it! Executive Governor: Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs will face Republican Congressman Andy Biggs in the general election. Also appearing on …

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