Resources for
Medical Examiner, Coroners, State’s Attorneys and Law Enforcement
Together, we honor the wishes of the deceased and their families.
Donation benefits the community you serve
Organ, eye and tissue donation gives transplant recipients the gift of life or improved health. It brings hope and healing to families after a loved one’s death. To preserve the opportunity for donation and honor the wishes of registered donors, collaboration is essential.
State’s attorneys, medical examiners, coroners and law enforcement officials all play vital roles in organ and tissue donation after an unexpected, sudden or on-scene death.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is the organization federally designated to coordinate organ and tissue recovery in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. We value our relationship with you, our partners
Your role is vital for donation
From on-scene referral of a potential donor to the timely release of organs and tissues, the forensic team and ME/coroner have an important role to play in life-giving donation.
The deceased can donate organs without undermining the collection of evidence.
Through close coordination, we ensure the release of organs and tissues to save lives and honor the legal decision to donate of the deceased and their family.
After a sudden death, Gift of Hope works with the forensic team and ME/coroner to support your investigation.
Deaths under investigation protocol
Learn about the roles of those involved in preserving evidence and the opportunity for donation.
ME/Coroner activation process
If a legal next of kin or close friend cannot be found or the patient is unidentified, a coroner may have the authority to authorize donation. Learn how.
The organ & tissue donation process
A single tissue donor may be able to help 75 or more people in need of healing transplant. Donated tissue is used for heart valve replacement, spinal fusion surgery to alleviate pain, ligament repair for mobility, healing after severe burns and cornea transplant to restore sight.
An organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Today, more than 100,000 people nationwide are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Donated organs save the lives of those on dialysis, living with liver disease or lung disease, awaiting heart transplants and more.
