We know the availability of PPE is a critical concern for funeral directors everywhere. Your access to PPE is vital to your ability to continue to safely serve families. NFDA is continually petitioning federal officials – CDC, FEMA, Health and Human Services, the President, Congress, state governors and others – about ensuring funeral home are on the priority list for receiving these critical supplies. 

We are also exploring private avenues from around the world for securing PPE for funeral professionals. 

Securing PPE continues to be a top priority for NFDA.

NFDA has learned that PPE in the Strategic National Stockpile and PPE being manufactured now are being sent to FEMA, which will distribute it to each state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) based on need. Each state EOC manages requests from entities within its respective state, including deathcare professionals. To place a request for PPE, you’ll need to contact your state’s EOC, which we understand many of you continue to do without reply.

Due to the unprecedented nature of this pandemic, we have observed some shortcomings in communication between local, state and federal agencies and funeral homes making requests for PPE at the local or state level are being met with confusion. NFDA will continue to discuss logistics with our federal partners, and suggest you also contact your state association as they are on the front lines at the state level and have been working in conjunction with NFDA to address issues as they arise.

If you become aware of a solid lead for PPE, please contact NFDA at nfda@nfda.org.

We will continue to provide updates on our COVID-19 Information Hub this essential issue.

Other Information

CDC: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE and Equipment: this web page includes guidance for sanitizing and reusing PPE should your supplies begin to dwindle.