Procedure At time of Death
At the time of death, a funeral home must be contracted and advised to contact the Anatomical Donations Program, University of Michigan Medical School, (734) 764-4359, to determine if the donor is acceptable and for instructions regarding anatomical donations
If death occurs at a considerable distance from the University of Michigan Medical School, transportation costs, legal issues, and potential deterioration of the deceased usually do not allow for the delivery of the donor to the University. However, it may be possible to donate the body to a nearby medical school. Our web site (www.med.umich.edu/anatomy/donors/) has links to other anatomical donations programs in the United States A funeral director can assist your survivors in making arrangements for delivery to an alternate institution.
Body Donation Procedure
The medical schools at The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University are designated by state law to receive bodies, and donation can be made to the medical school of choice. To donate your body, simply complete a gift form and have it witnessed. You can print the gift form from your web browser. Send a signed copy to the Anatomical Donations Program and retain a copy for your records. On receipt of your completed form, a wallet card will be sent to you. The signing and witnessing of the gift form registers you with our program. The next step is to contract with your selected funeral home to complete the remaining arrangements for donation.
The executed gift form constitutes a legal will that may be amended or revoked upon request. The gift becomes effective immediately upon death but is subject to the conditions at the time of death, and acceptance by the Anatomical Donations Program.
It is always advisable for the next of kin or responsible member of your family to know of your bequest so that it may be carried out at the time of death. The reading of a will or the discovery of the gift form may come too late to accommodate your wishes.