New program to help cover Utah-Mexico funeral costs

Rocio Mejia knows first-hand how expensive funerals can be, especially when an immigrant's family wants remains shipped to Mexico for burial.

In addition to purchasing a casket and tray, bodies need to be embalmed. Then there's legal documentation and the cost of transportation, says Mejia, who founded and directs Una Mano Amiga, a nonprofit health-education organization.

If a family qualifies, the Mexican consulate typically covers about two-thirds of the cost, said Mexican Consul Salvador Jimenez. The family is responsible for the rest, and Mejia says she sometimes helps out when friends and family can't afford the expense.

"I have shared this with a lot of people," Mejia said. "All I get is 'Oh, I'm sorry, I wish I could help.' ... I don't need that. I need to see action."

So, Mejia is shifting her focus from charity to action. She's preparing to launch a new program that will help immigrants from Mexico to ensure their expenses are covered.

For $100 a year, Mejia says, immigrants will soon be able to buy a membership in Una Mano Amiga that will include covering their funeral arrangements.

"It will pay 100 percent from the minute the person dies until they arrive in Mexico," she said. She believes it would be the first program of its kind in Utah. The program will also include access to the nonprofit's other services, such as AIDS education.

Mejia said it's important to Mexican immigrants to know their funerals will be covered. She's asked around about the program and says she sees a definite interest.

"Mexican nationals like to go back," she said. "The rest of the family is there. ... They want to be buried with their dad or mom."

Transporting remains to Mexico is a service that is in demand, said Jimenez. The consulate, on average, helps to return the bodies of two immigrants to Mexico each month, Jimenez said.

"It is an important element of our function of protection to help them under a situation like that," Jimenez said.

The consulate does have a limit on how much can be spent on a funeral. That limit is confidential, Jimenez said, but he added, "it is a substantial amount; it pays most of the expenses."