Today’s Afternoon Edition will bring you some stories of American counties that are grappling with how to pay for increased requests for financial assistance for families that indicate that they need help in paying minimum cremation costs.  We have one story from WFTS in Tampa Bay, Florida, that is very typical in telling that requests for that type of assistance in Hillsborough County and Pasco County are up between 35-40% on the year.  One official from Hillsborough County tells the station that he has been there 21 years and not seen this type of assistance necessary in that period of time.

And we also have an article from Hidalgo County, Texas, where the county has put a program in place to give eligible individuals up to $2000 for funeral services when facing the “untimely death of a loved one”.  Interestingly, in this program, the county is accessing CARES Act funds and those that pass away must be residents of the county and the cause of death must be COVID-19 related.

• With families out of work, requests for county assistance to pay for cremation spikes.  WFTS ABC – Tampa Bay (FL)
• Hidalgo County announces financial assistance for funeral services of COVID-19 victims.  KVEO TV – Edinburg (TX)

More news from the world of Death Care:

• How Yellowknife’s funeral home adapted to COVID-19.  Cabin Radio. Canada
• The number of cases associated with Sanford area funeral and reception have risen Maine CDC says.  WMTW TV Portland (ME)
• With state moving to study 2 Irvine sites, veterans cemetery plan remains in limbo.  The Orange County Register (CA)
• Obituary:  Roger Dean Grizzel.  (TN)