- Can I request which research study or organization I would like to participate in?
- Who is responsible for providing transportation to MedCure?
- Do I need to complete a separate “Cremation Authorization” form?
- How are you funded?
- Where can I get information on grief services and support?
Q: Please explain what MedCure does?
A: MedCure serves as a bridge between a donor and the medical researchers and educators that rely on donations. We do this by acquiring, recovering, processing, storing and distributing organs and tissues to medical researchers and educators throughout the United States.
A: Most people who want to donate can! There is no upper age limit and most disease processes are acceptable. Suitable donors have a Social Security card, have not been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, active tuberculosis, are not severely under or overweight (at the time of death) and do not have a history of illegal drug use, incarceration or institutionalization.
MedCure accepts donations from all states within the continental United States (except New Jersey and Minnesota).
A: A person who wishes to donate may pre-register by completing a donor consent form. After your decision to become a donor, the most important step you can take to ensure donation happens is to inform all of your family/next-of-kin of your decision. It is your family/next-of-kin who will be responsible for contacting MedCure.
Q: I am already a donor on my driver's license, why do I need to complete a separate registration with you?
A: The symbol on your driver license indicates your intention to donate your organs for transplant into a living person, if possible, at the time of your death. Donation for transplant is a higher priority than medical research and education however, advanced age and some disease processes may make transplant donation unsuitable.
You can choose to donate your body exclusively for medical science and not for transplant or vice-versa. You can also consent to both transplant donation AND medical science. If one of these options is not possible at the time of death, the other may be carried out to fulfill your wish in helping others.
Q: If I do donate any organs or tissues for transplant, can I also be a body donor through MedCure?
A: This is possible in only a few cases. After death has occurred, if tissues or organs can be used for transplant and the donor wishes to also donate to medical science and education, MedCure may be able to arrange this.
Q: What are the costs associated with donation?
A: We cover all of the costs associated with the donation process including: transportation from the place of death to MedCure, two certified copies of the death certificate, cremation, return of cremated remains to the family in a heart-shaped urn or a memorial scattering at sea.
Q: When must I decide to donate?
A: You can pre-register at any time by signing a donor consent form. After death has occurred the legal next-of-kin can consent to donation if all family members are in agreement.
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Q: How can I pre-register?
A: By completing the “Donor Consent” form. You can download the form from our website at www.MedCure.org or call 1-866-560-2525 for a mailed copy.
Q: How long does the donation process take?
A: Cremated remains are sent to the family in approximately four to six weeks. Certified copies of the death certificate are usually received by the family within four weeks depending on the state or county that processes them.
Q: Will donating interfere with funeral arrangements?
A: With whole body donation open casket viewing is not possible. However, a memorial service with cremated remains is very common with our donor families.
Q: Can I request which research study or organizations I would like participate in?
A: Yes you can, however we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to match your donation to a specific research study at the time of your death - it is based on the researcher’s needs at that time. Families of MedCure donors may request a letter to learn how their loved one’s donation contributed to medical science. If you would like your donation to go to a specific medical university or research organization, we recommend you contact them directly and inquire about making donation through them.
Q: Who is responsible for providing transportation to MedCure?
A: Upon notification of a donor’s death, arrangements will be made by MedCure for the transportation and care of your loved one.
Q.: Do I need to complete a separate “Cremation Authorization” form?
Your family will be instructed on how to complete the Cremation Authorization form after your passing. This form is completed in advance ONLY if you do not have any family or legal next-of-kin.
A. MedCure operates on an cost recovery system. This means that MedCure receives reasonable compensation for the costs incurred in recovering, processing and matching donors with researcher/educator needs. The Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (2006) prohibits the sale of human organs or tissue.
There are no costs to the donor family associated with the donation to MedCure.
MedCure continues to look for ways that we can help in furthering medical research efforts. MedCure is pleased to have provided financial support to these medical research associations:
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
www.stjude.org
National Foundation for Cancer Research
www.nfcr.org
Alzheimer’s Association
www.alz.org
American Diabetes Association
www.diabenewtes.org
The ALS Association
www.alsa.org
Q. Where can I get information on grief services and support?
A. Here are website links to articles and information on working grief support:
• Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
• Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)
• Mental Health America (MHA)
If you would like to talk with a MedCure Representative, please call us toll free: 1-866-560-2525 or email us at: info@medcure.org
