February 2021

Page A23 FEBRUARY 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A 1-800-868-9950 Experience MobileFH ® Texting T H E A N S W E R I N G S E R V I C E I N A C L A S S O F I T S O W N Continued from Page A22 Snapshot: Cremation Statistics Change in Death Count Looking at Figure 3, we see an estimate for the increased numbers of deaths and cremations in these states. Percentages are one way to measure change, but another sobering metric is to estimate the increased number of deaths and cremations in each of these states based on the principle of annu- alization. At the time of publication, coronavirus infections have surged across the country, so these estimates may be conservative. Annualization allows us to take six months of data, divide by six, and multiply by twelve to ap- ply the percentage increase across a year. This is helpful to compare similar periods. (Figure 3) For further consideration and discussion: • This six-month period was also the time that much of the country was locked down or had sig- nificant restrictions. What was initially considered an anomaly now is a regional and rolling reality in much of the country. What are you doing in your business to promote and support services safely? • Is a spike in unexpected deaths combined with widespread unemployment and a global reces- sion a recipe for increased cremation rates? Ap- parently, yes. • Is this increase here to stay? That is the crucial question facing our profession and only time will tell. CANA will continue to monitor these trends at the national and state level. Please note: The CDC also reports weekly excess deaths by state and nationally. If your state is not in- Figure 3: The 2020 crude death rate is up. In this subset of 15 states, deaths have increased by 21% from 2019 to 2020 (on an annualized basis). The columns above show the additional number of cremations and deaths compared to those in 2019. * Data received from Michigan differs from data reported by the CDC. cluded in CANA’s research, you may find it here: https:// www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid19/excess_deaths. htm. Scroll down to Options and Select “Total Excess Deaths” and click update dashboard to find your state. This data is not representative of all of 2020 or the country as a whole. It is merely a snapshot of six months in time, which demonstrates a sharp increase in deaths this year from only 15 states. Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organi- zation of over 3,300 members, composed of funer- al homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that crema- tion is preparation for memorialization. Order Your Favorite Plush Animal with a Funeral Director or Cemeterian Shirt! Online at nomispublications.com or call 1-800-321-7479 “I Love My Funeral Director” ONLY $ 11 95 Now is the PERFECT TIME to order the PERFECT GIFTS “I Love My Cemeterian”