What is whole-body donation?

Whole-body donation is when an individual gifts their body to an anatomical registry after death. Whole-body donations play a critical role in helping students master complex anatomy and histology. These donations are considered the most selfless gift an individual can give to others, and our students come to know these individuals as their “First Patient.”

This process sounds complicated, where do I begin?

This process is quite easy! You must register through the Humanity Gifts Registry to donate in the state of Pennsylvania. This can be done one of two ways:

• You may contact the registry directly at 215.922.4440 and speak with the office.
• You may visit the Humanity Gifts Registry and find the Donor Registration Form. Please fill out this form and have your witnesses sign it. You will then fax the form back to the Humanity Gifts Registry at 215.922.4896 or email it to info@hgrpa.org.

If you wish to donate the remains of a loved one after death, you may fill out the Decedent Consent Form and fax it back to the Humanity Gifts Registry at 215.922.4896.

Can I appoint Drexel for my donation?

Yes! Your donation must be made through the Humanity Gifts Registry. While filling out your consent form, please write “I want this donation to benefit Drexel University.” We appreciate your donation!

Are there costs associated with my donation?

Humanity Gifts Registry will pay $100 for transportation of a body from the place of death to a medical teaching institution. This transportation must be completed by a licensed funeral director. The next of kin or estate will be responsible for the remaining transportation cost. Drexel University College of Medicine will then cover the cost associated with embalming, final transportation and cremation. The ashes of a loved one can be returned to the family after studies have been completed if arrangements are made with the Humanity Gifts Registry.

If I donate my remains to Drexel, who will benefit from my donation?

Your donation will benefit the following at Drexel:

How do I alert my loved ones about my decision?

It is especially important to discuss your final wishes with your loved ones and power of attorney. Please also update your will with your lawyers.

Is my donation to Drexel kept confidential?

Yes, the Humanity Gifts Registry and Drexel University College of Medicine maintain the utmost respect for keeping our donor’s identities confidential. Once a donor has passed away and has been brought to our school, they are assigned a number through the Humanity Gifts Registry. This number will remain with them during their time here at Drexel University College of Medicine. After studies have been completed, the Humanity Gifts Registry number will be matched up with the donor’s identity and the ashes will be returned to their loved ones.

How long will it take for my ashes to be returned to my family?

The body donation process typically takes one to two years to complete. We understand this is a long time to get your loved one back, please contact us with any questions or concerns.

What happens to my body after my donation is completed?

After studies are completed, donors will be sent for cremation. After cremation is completed, your next of kin will be notified that the ashes have been returned to our Drexel University College of Medicine campus. Your next of kin have two options to get the ashes returned home:

• Ashes can be picked up at our campus. If you would like to pick up the remains, you will contact the appropriate lab manager (Sara Solomon, University City; Jennifer Lees, West Reading) and make an appointment. Please consider reading Advice for Receiving Cremation Ashes by Jerri Haaven, grief recovery specialist and celebrant.
• Ashes can be mailed through USPS. If you live too far or have difficulty getting to University City or West Reading, you will fill out the mailing consent form from Humanity Gifts Registry. Once received, the ashes will be packaged and mailed through priority express along with a tracking number.

Can I be an organ donor and donate my body to science?

While you may be both an organ and whole-body donor, bodies must remain intact for anatomical study purposes. Eyes may be donated.

My loved one wants to donate their body to science. What should I expect?

We understand the impact this decision will have on your family. On behalf of Drexel University College of Medicine, we want to thank you and your family as well for giving us this incredible gift. Please consider reading My Loved One Donated Their Body To Science. This Is What It Meant For My Grief by Marie Holmes.

Who can act as a witness to my donation forms?

Your donor registration form will need to be completed in the presence of two witnesses. Any person over the age of 18 is eligible to serve as a witness.

 
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