The Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) says funding appropriated by the Iowa Legislature to Department is available to assist qualifying families with costs associated with the death of a child. The program is administered statewide through Page County Public Health.

The Legislature approved $100,000 for the program in July, 2014 and applications may be retroactive to that date. Funds are available to help families with expenses including funeral, burial, cremation, cemetery costs, and grave marker costs. Funds are reimbursable to the family, funeral director, or monument retailer, at the discretion of the family.

Families must meet qualifications and complete an application for the funding. Qualifications include:

• Must be an unintended death of a child under the age of 18
• Must meet income requirements of 145 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Must comply with submission of the following documents:
  Copy of pay stubs or previous years taxes
  Copy of death Certificate

To request an application for funding assistance, please contact Angie Hakes at (712) 850-1212, extension 212 or Brandy Powers at (712) 850-1211, extension 211. You may also make a request by mail or fax at: Page County Public Health, 112 E. Main St, Clarinda, IA 51632. Fax number: (712) 542-5030.