NFDA News

Updated: October 1, 2024 - 10:33 am CT

As the devastation of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold across several states, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound challenges many of you are facing. NFDA is deeply concerned for your safety and well-being. Please know that NFDA stands with you during this difficult time.

At times like these, we are reminded of the resilience and compassion that define our profession. As funeral service professionals, we often find ourselves providing care and support to others, but please know that your NFDA family is here to support you in any way we can during these challenging times. 

SupportLinc, NFDA’s member assistance program, offers in-the-moment help for anyone who may need assistance processing this traumatic event. Call SupportLinc at 888-881-5462 to speak with a licensed clinician 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

If you need other forms of support or have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at 800-228-6332 or nfda@nfda.org. NFDA is here for you.

As of this morning, more than 130 people have died. Our hearts go out to the families experiencing the loss of a loved one. As part of our leadership on mass-fatality management, NFDA has already been in touch with federal agencies responding to this crisis and providing information and assistance to help ensure the dead are cared for with dignity and respect.

NFDA has also just learned that in response to the devastation, DMORT teams are being deployed to provide essential support and care for the dead in the affected states. We deeply appreciate the critical role these teams play and offer our heartfelt thanks to all those serving on the front lines.

The Funeral Service Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund is accepting donations which will be used in support of those in funeral service affected by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/DonateNow; please select “Crisis Response Fund” in the project designation field. This fund was created from funeral professionals’ requests to support relief efforts following the devastating tsunami in 2004 and, over the last 20 years, has provided urgently needed funding in the wake of regional, national and international crises. Learn more about the Crisis Response Fund here. 

Additionally, we have just learned that the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association has launched a Hurricane Relief Fund to assist funeral professionals who have been impacted by the storm. If you feel moved to support this cause, we encourage you to contribute to this fund, which will provide direct relief to those in need. Click here to donate – please see the “Pricing and Payment” section on the page to contribute. 

As we learn of additional opportunities to support your colleagues and communities affected by the hurricane, we will share them with you. 

Your generosity during this time of crisis will make a meaningful difference for your colleagues who are facing significant hardship.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay safe and look out for one another. Whether through donations, lending a hand or simply offering words of encouragement, we can make a profound difference as a profession united in compassion.