People’s Memorial Association (PMA) co-hosted a first-of-its-kind “Deathcare Superconference” September 27-29 in Seattle, Washington. “Building Bridges in the Deathcare Landscape” brought together leaders, advocates, educators and professionals from across the deathcare continuum to address key topics, including workforce development, accessibility, advocacy and landscape changes in end-of-life care.

In addition to PMA, three other nonprofit organizations co-hosted the event: Funeral Consumers Alliance, National End-of-Life Doula Alliance and National Home Funeral Alliance. Each of these organizations shares a common vision of promoting access to after-death arrangements that reflect each person’s values and resources.

During the conference, attendees engaged in learning and discussion that focused on innovative strategies for improving access to compassionate and affordable end-of-life care, expanding access to greener funerals, incorporating the non-medical support of providers such as death doulas into care, transforming hospice, and updates on the latest in legislative and advocacy efforts across the United States. Panel topics included:

• Legal issues: How can we better align legislation with the current deathcare ecosystem in each of our communities?

• Affordability: What current systems are in place to promote affordable deathcare? Panelists discussed U.S. indigent death programs and court-appointed Public Guardianship burial programs.

• DEI: How do diversity, equity and inclusion issues impact how people access current deathcare systems, both formal and informal? Panelists discussed their own experiences in accessing deathcare.

• Models of care: What are our models for inclusive, affordable deathcare? Panelists discussed A Place to Die, the Humane Prison Hospice Project, medical aid in dying (MAiD), Omega Homes and more, and also shared how these offerings might be expanded across the country.

All panels were livestreamed, and watch parties were organized around the nation. The four hosting organizations will share the event proceeds. peoplesmemorial.org