This information is provided in hopes of answering any questions persons who are considering pre-signing as a Genesis Donor may have or any questions family members/guardians and friends of donors may have about our program. If you have a question that is not answered here, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will be happy to assist you.
1. Can a person be an organ donor and a Genesis donor?
Yes, you can sign the back of your driver’s license, or any other Advance Directives document to be an organ donor and complete our forms to be a Genesis donor as well.
2. How soon after death should the Genesis program be contacted?
Immediately. It is imperative that the Genesis program be notified as soon as possible so that proper care may be given to your loved one. There is someone on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, after hours, on weekends and holidays to receive telephone calls at (901) 278-7841 or toll-free at 1-877-288-4483 (GIVE). If death is imminent, you may also contact the Genesis program to advise us in advance to assist you.
3. Who is responsible for transporting the donor to Genesis program at the MERI?
Upon notification of your loved one’s death, arrangements will be made by the Genesis staff for the transportation and care of your loved one.
4. Can the family have a memorial service even though their loved one’s body has been donated to the Genesis program at MERI?
Yes. A memorial service may be held with or without the donor present. If the donor is present at the memorial service, it must be a closed-casket service with no viewing of the donor, in accordance with Tennessee State Law, as our donors are not embalmed. A memorial service may be conducted at the church or funeral home of the family’s choosing. The MERI will provide up to $600.00 toward the cost of a memorial service. This includes an obituary, flowers and miscellaneous expenses. The memorial funds must be paid to the church or funeral home that conducted the service. The funds also may be donated by the family to a nonprofit or charitable organization.
5. How and when will I receive the death certificates?
The Genesis program at the MERI will file and pay for all the death certificates that the family/legal guardian may need. We will forward them to you as soon as we receive them. It generally takes between four to six weeks for the MERI to receive the death certificates due to the fact that we may be filing from a different state from where the death occurred. The completion of a death certificate is time-dependent upon many factors and individuals including the signing physician, county officials, hospitals and the county health department where the death occurred.
6. How long will the donor stay at the MERI?
Donors remain at the MERI generally less than one year.
7. What happens when the studies on the donor have been completed?
The donor is cremated at no cost to the family. The Genesis program at the MERI makes all the arrangements for the cremation.
8. Is it possible to have the donor’s ashes returned to the family?
Absolutely. At the time of death of the donor, the family may request to have the donor’s ashes returned to them. The donor’s ashes may also be interred at a mausoleum in Memphis, TN.
