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Here you will find announcements of FCAWM news, projects and events, as well as news of state and national developments relevant to consumer rights and death care options. Use the “Search” Box to find entries on topics of interest.
Options are increasing! Several companies providing “Natural Organic Reduction” (N.O.R.) facilities are promoting their services to Massachusetts residents. Perhaps you have seen the ads on social media? Although we do not (yet) have an N.O.R. facility in Massachusetts, it is…
Continue readingToday the Springfield Republican newspaper published “Funeral price tool is available online,” a short piece describing the Price Comparison feature on our website.
Continue readingOur Spring Newsletter is now available on our website, and will soon be delivered to our subscribers. Contents include news from our recent Price Comparison project, a report of last fall’s Annual Meeting & Program, announcement of the date (October…
Continue readingOur 2026 Price Comparison report is ready, after months of work. Starting in January 2026, a committee of FCAWM trustees began the biennial price survey of funeral homes in western Massachusetts. By the end of April after contacting 83 funeral…
Continue readingThe Hadley Senior Center will host a program on June 2 titled, “Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die.” Advance signup required. See the May-July 2026 issue of the Hadley COA newsletter (available online in PDF format) or…
Continue readingWe have launched a new webpage this week, providing updated information for families who wish to care for their own dead at home. We invite you to view this new Home Funeral page: https://funeralconsumerswmass.org/home-funerals-caring-for-your-own-dead/ Massachusetts has reformed its death registry…
Continue readingWe have a new supply of the FCA planner booklet titled “Before I Go, You Should Know” (also known as the B.I.G. book). See our newly-updated page about these planners, which have been published for years by the national Funeral…
Continue reading“There’s a Lot of Money in Death”: Funeral Home Consolidation Hits Western Massachusetts, an article by Jonathan Gerhardson, was posted today on The Shoestring. This reporter has spent weeks investigating changes in ownership of funeral homes in our region and…
Continue readingOn Monday, September 29, at a public hearing (viewable via livestream 9am-1pm), several bills concerning death care are on the Agenda. We are especially interested in H.2444, An Act expanding after-death care options. Other bills of interest are H.2374, An…
Continue readingOur 8-page newsletter was completed last night. Production of the print version (black & white) started today and will be mailed out (via bulk mail) soon. See the color version now on our website. Content included: If you have ideas…
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