house resolution no.181
Reps. Wakeman, Sabo, Sneller and Thanedar offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Michigan funeral directors are dedicated and skilled professionals who are called upon day or night to come to the immediate assistance of those in our communities who have lost a loved one; and
Whereas, The expertise that Michigan funeral directors have mastered draws from multiple advanced sciences and technical disciplines to protect public health from the spread of disease, while also providing families and the community with the time to share in their grief and a proper and respectful disposition; and
Whereas, While first responders were deservingly being hailed as heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral directors were quietly serving in the background carrying out their duties in the continuum of care to protect public health; and
Whereas, Special recognition is also due to the members of the Michigan Mortuary Response Team (MIMORT), who have attained advanced training through specific preparedness exercises to respond to mass fatality events in the state of Michigan and who were deployed in 2020 to Southeast Michigan to relieve local hospitals that experienced a concentrated number of COVID deaths, causing their holding facilities to reach capacity; and
Whereas, The MIMORT team skillfully performed special duties in extraordinary and unprecedented fashion to care for, respectfully handle, and transport remains to another shelter until such time the remains were reunited with their loved ones for a proper and respectful disposition; and
Whereas, Public mental health awareness has been promoted by Michigan funeral directors offering council and comfort to those who grieve as part of their services; and
Whereas, Funeral Director Appreciation Month highlights the commitment of funeral directors throughout the state to protect public health and provide critical services and assistance to those beginning their transition from a life with their loved one to a life without their loved one; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2021 as Funeral Director Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan. We acknowledge the significant contributions of funeral directors in Michigan, the Michigan Mortuary Response Team, and Funeral Director Appreciation Month in our state; and be it further
Resolved, That we call on each resident, business, house of worship, community organization, and unit of government to observe this month with participation in Funeral Director Appreciation Month by acknowledging the dedication and services of funeral directors in our communities.