THERE ARE TWO WAYS FOR BODY DONATION TO TAKE PLACE: Pre-Register By registering in advance we have all appropriate paperwork in place when your death occurs. It is also important to share your decision about donation with your family. Note: If you are enrolled in a hospice program or receiving end-of-life care, please contact us and ask for our Hospice Pre-registry Department at: 1-866-560-2525. After Death The legal next-of-kin can grant permission for donation. When death has occurred: The next-of-kin or medical professional should contact MedCure immediately on our 24-hour toll-free number: 1-866-560-2525.

Donation Process After Death

1. MedCure is Contacted.
   A Donor Coordinator will discuss donor suitability with a family member and/or medical professional.
   
   
2. Local Funeral Home Transport.
   MedCure will arrange for a local funeral home to provide transportation from the place of death to MedCure at our expense. MedCure has contracted funeral homes throughout the U.S. that are familiar with our donation process. MedCure will make all necessary arrangements with the funeral home to care for the donor. Please do not contact a funeral home before contacting MedCure – this assures there will be no costs to the family.
   
   
3. Donor Received by MedCure.
   The medical history information is obtained. MedCure tests donor for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C. Organs and tissues are recovered and matched to meet the needs of medical educators and researchers.
   
   
4. Cremation.
   Cremation takes place. Family chooses to have cremains sent to them in a heart-shaped urn or a memorial scattering at sea. A notification letter precedes the registered return of the cremains.
   
   
5. Two Certified Copies of the Death Certificate Issued. Certified copies of the death certificate will be issued to the family in about four weeks depending on the state or county processing time.
   
   
6. Letter of Donation.
   A letter describing the medical research and/or educational needs your donation fulfilled can be sent to your family if requested.