Free Cremation Program

One of the options is whole-body donation. This can be done even after organs have been donated. Cardinal Funeral & Cremation Services works with Science Care, that is accredited by the AATB and has a fully audited quality assurance program for its organization and also for its clients and vendors. One of the largest benefits to Cardinal Funeral Service's Cremation families is the cremated remains of your loved one are returned to the family for memorialization or scattering.

Here is a high-level overview of what to expect if you or a loved one had their body donated, resulting in a free cremation.

•  It starts with a short medical screening by phone at the time of passing to determine if there is a match with current research criteria.
• If under hospice care or terminally ill, this medical screening can be done ahead of time through Science Care’s HOPE Program: A Guarantee for Hospice Patients. Upon acceptance, Science Care will then coordinate donor transportation to a Science Care facility.
• At the time of death you will contact Cardinal Funeral Services as well as Science Care. The donation organization determines if your loved one is a qualified donor under their specific program requirements. If your loved one meets the donation criteria, Science Care pays the basic cremation service. The only costs not covered are Medical Examiner/Coroner and permit fees (if applicable), Transportation, and additional death certificates.
• Once the donation process is complete, the cremated remains are returned to the family for memorialization.

Making the decision to donate your body means leaving a legacy of helping people who are still living or furthering medical science and eliminates cremation expenses for the family. Coordinating through Cardinal Funeral Services will ensure your donation process is handled with dignity and your family has a licensed funeral establishment ensuring the transition to donation is handled professionally and with dignity.

1. Donate your organs
2. Donate your tissue
3. Will your body to a college or university
4. Help doctors practice their skills
5. To begin the registration process, please talk with a Cardinal Funeral Services Funeral Director.