Indigent Burial Program
2019 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Cook County, Ill., IL
Best In Category
Contacts
QUESTIONS?
Contact Awards@NACo.org
About the Program
Category: Human Services (Best in Category)
Year: 2019
While the primary responsibility of the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) is to investigate the cause and manner of any human death that falls under its jurisdiction, the Office has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that all deceased under its purview receive a dignified burial. Each year, hundreds of deceased are either unclaimed or their loved ones are unable to afford the cost of a dignified burial. The MEO works in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago, area funeral directors and mortuary students to ensure that each of these indigent and unclaimed individuals are treated with dignity in death.