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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org Strengthen Your Connection to the Community of Care Become a Certified Hospice Relations Specialist this August WHEELING, IL — Hospice care is now involved with end-of-life management for half of all deaths in most communities, yet many funeral homes remain unaware of how significantly hospice impacts where deaths occur, how families are supported, and how funeral providers are chosen. The all-new Certified Hospice Relations Specialist (CHRS) program from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) was created to close that gap—and to equip funeral professionals with the strategies, language, and confidence needed to become an essential part of the end-of-life care continuum. Led by industry expert Lacy Robinson, this certification is designed to be dynamic, practical, and highly engaging. At the first-ever training on August 12, 2026, in Minneapolis, attendees will explore the shared values that unite hospice and funeral professionals, learn to “speak the language of hospice,” and identify where funeral service naturally fits into the continuum of care. “I have learned over the years that many funeral homes have great relationships with their local hospice providers. I have also known that many funeral homes have no ties with hospice companies, or, even worse, they have damaged business relationships that need repair,” said Certified Hospice Relations Specialist program developer and instructor Lacy Robinson. “I've been fortunate in my career to meet incredible funeral service professionals as motivated as myself to be a part of the continuum of care conversations. If you're seeking sensible solutions or worried about the long-term viability of your business, this is the training for you.” Whether you are an experienced leader or an emerging professional in funeral service, preneed, outreach, or family care, the CHRS provides sensible, actionable solutions to strengthen relationships, serve more families, and support long-term viability and growth in a rapidly changing care environment. “Many of us understand the importance of hospice outreach, but we aren’t sure where to start—or know there’s room to improve,” said CANA Education Advisory Group Chair Jimmy Lucas of Lucas Funeral Homes in Hurst, Texas. “This course is designed to help grow outreach strategies by guiding participants through the process of building a plan, so they can feel confident and in control of their hospice relationships.” Through guided discussions and real-world examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of shared values, learn how to communicate effectively with hospice providers, and identify natural opportunities to remain involved in the care community. Participants will leave with a clear outreach plan, practical tools, and the confidence to put what they’ve learned into action immediately. The Certified Hospice Relations Specialist certification is $695, discounted to $595 for CANA Members. This inaugural training on August 12 is offered as a special pre-convention program in conjunction with CANA’s 108th Annual Convention, taking place August 12–14 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. A bundled registration option—including both certification and convention attendance—is available for $1,300, discounted to $1,100 for CANA Members. Students may contact CANA directly for special pricing. Become an active partner in care, deepen community trust, and better support families through transitions that extend beyond a single moment. Learn more about the new Certified Hospice Relations Specialist program at: cremationassociation.org/CHRS. About CANA Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Kemmis Phone: (312) 245-1077 499 Northgate Parkway Wheeling, IL 60090-2646 Barbara@cremationassociation.org
Strengthen Your Connection to the Community of Care Become a Certified Hospice Relations Specialist this August
WHEELING, IL — Hospice care is now involved with end-of-life management for half of all deaths in most communities, yet many funeral homes remain unaware of how significantly hospice impacts where deaths occur, how families are supported, and how funeral providers are chosen. The all-new Certified Hospice Relations Specialist (CHRS) program from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) was created to close that gap—and to equip funeral professionals with the strategies, language, and confidence needed to become an essential part of the end-of-life care continuum.
Led by industry expert Lacy Robinson, this certification is designed to be dynamic, practical, and highly engaging. At the first-ever training on August 12, 2026, in Minneapolis, attendees will explore the shared values that unite hospice and funeral professionals, learn to “speak the language of hospice,” and identify where funeral service naturally fits into the continuum of care.
“I have learned over the years that many funeral homes have great relationships with their local hospice providers. I have also known that many funeral homes have no ties with hospice companies, or, even worse, they have damaged business relationships that need repair,” said Certified Hospice Relations Specialist program developer and instructor Lacy Robinson. “I've been fortunate in my career to meet incredible funeral service professionals as motivated as myself to be a part of the continuum of care conversations. If you're seeking sensible solutions or worried about the long-term viability of your business, this is the training for you.”
Whether you are an experienced leader or an emerging professional in funeral service, preneed, outreach, or family care, the CHRS provides sensible, actionable solutions to strengthen relationships, serve more families, and support long-term viability and growth in a rapidly changing care environment.
“Many of us understand the importance of hospice outreach, but we aren’t sure where to start—or know there’s room to improve,” said CANA Education Advisory Group Chair Jimmy Lucas of Lucas Funeral Homes in Hurst, Texas. “This course is designed to help grow outreach strategies by guiding participants through the process of building a plan, so they can feel confident and in control of their hospice relationships.”
Through guided discussions and real-world examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of shared values, learn how to communicate effectively with hospice providers, and identify natural opportunities to remain involved in the care community. Participants will leave with a clear outreach plan, practical tools, and the confidence to put what they’ve learned into action immediately.
The Certified Hospice Relations Specialist certification is $695, discounted to $595 for CANA Members. This inaugural training on August 12 is offered as a special pre-convention program in conjunction with CANA’s 108th Annual Convention, taking place August 12–14 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. A bundled registration option—including both certification and convention attendance—is available for $1,300, discounted to $1,100 for CANA Members. Students may contact CANA directly for special pricing.
Become an active partner in care, deepen community trust, and better support families through transitions that extend beyond a single moment. Learn more about the new Certified Hospice Relations Specialist program at: cremationassociation.org/CHRS.
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.