U.S. at work on compassion aid

Abit of covid compassion is on the way from the federal government. In the wake of more than 500,000 deaths, including more than 5,500 in Arkansas, FEMA has announced that the government agency is going to deliver some financial assistance to those who lost loved ones from covid.

The move is part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families,” the agency stated on its website. “At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.”

That is a kindness from the government that will be greatly appreciated by many families. The pandemic has pulverized many facets of life, and with the loss of jobs and the insurance that went with jobs, hard-pressed families have been stretched to the breaking point and beyond when having to pay thousands of dollars to bury a loved one.

There are still the details to work out, on both sides. “We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance,” said FEMA, “and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities.”

A funeral director in Pine Bluff said that as soon as the 800 number goes live on this program, he will be on the phone to find out the details and how he can help get the word out to those who have lost family members over the past year-plus. We encourage all funeral homes to be as proactive as possible because getting the word out to these family members will be a key ingredient in how well this program is implemented.

FEMA said it would start the program in April. There is a short list of items that people need, including a death certificate that says the death was caused by covid and funeral expense documents. So now is a good time to start gathering the items.

Slowly but surely, the country will get back on its feet. This program will help.