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Administrative
Support
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Consumer
Educators
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Research
Analysts
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Why should you join the Funeral Consumer Association of Leon County?
Just as
there are facts of life, there are facts of death. Here are some of
the facts that we must deal with:
- From
something more than a million deaths in the USA, the funeral industry
generates profits of over seven billion dollars (Wall
Street Journal).
- Large
holding companies are purchasing mortuaries,
cemeteries, and crematoria, eliminating competition and restricting
consumer choices.
- According
to the National Funeral Directors' Association, the cost of funeral
services and merchandise has risen three times faster than the cost
of living.
- According
to the Federal Trade Commission, funeral purchases are now the third
highest cost incurred by individuals and families, close behind the
purchase of houses and automobiles. According to the Florida Funeral
Directors Association, the average cost of a Florida
funeral in 1998 was over $5000.00.
- The
Federal Trade Commission reports that less than 30% of the funeral
industry complies with the laws which were introduced over fifteen
years ago.
- Consumer's
Union lists funeral purchases as one of the top abuses of the elderly.
- In
the marketplace for funeral services and merchandise, there is a conflict
between grief and greed, between emotions and economics. Only a well-informed
consumer is prepared to deal with this conflict.
What
does the Funeral Association of Leon County do?
FCALC
has no paid staff. All our activities are supported by member volunteers.
These include:
- A periodic
survey of all funeral homes and cemeteries in the greater Leon County
area, to provide consumers with accurate and understandable information
about funeral services and merchandise.
- Consumer-oriented
education regarding requirements and options in making after-death
arrangements, and free literature (e.g. "Cremation Explained",
"Death Away From Home", "Veterans Benefits", et
al.). We also monitor the funeral industry, and the state legislature
and regulatory boards, on behalf of consumers.
- Information
promoting advance planning (without advance payment!).
- A list
of cooperating funeral homes in the greater Leon County area, and
prices available to our members for certain basic packages of services.
- Providing
forms to pre-plan and record wishes regarding after-death arrangements.
These forms become part of our permanent archival service.
- Referrals
and self-help information on topics related to death and dying, such
as wills, durable powers of attorney, hospice care, body and organ
donation, et al.
- Opportunities
for members to volunteer with FCALC, and thus help others through
participation in the work of our association.
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