Social Connection and Recovery

Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in September

WHEELING, IL— Since 1989, September is designated as Recovery Month to raise awareness about treatment for substance use disorders, reduce stigma of those suffering, and celebrate those in recovery. That’s why this month’s virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT provides space to share stories of struggle and recovery and learn more about this all too common experience. 

Surveys show that over 65 million US adults consider themselves in recovery from substance use and/or mental health issues. Christopher Matthews, CLC, APR, CFSP, will facilitate the September Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting to discuss the effect of substance abuse on funeral professionals today with a focus on growth, resilience and skills to support those struggling with these common, but often unspoken, concerns. 

With more than 130,000 deathcare professionals working in the United States today (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024) – many of them exposed to trauma daily – the need for support and interdependence in recovery is great. Matthews hopes to provide a fresh, personal perspective and tools to help spot and support funeral professionals in need to the road to recovery.

Building social supports and a caring community is essential for recovery. Connect with your fellow funeral professional peers on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.

About Funeral Professionals Peer Support

Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community. 

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.