Body Donation to Wright State University: Process and Requirements

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine accepts whole-body donations through its Anatomical Gift Program for medical education and research.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Contact the program: Anatomy Gift Program, [phone], [e-mail]
2. Request & complete donor packet: Includes registration form, consent/authorization, medical history questionnaire.
3. Sign documents: Donor and witness(es) sign; notarization may be required.
4. Designate next-of-kin/legal representative: Responsible for notification and coordination at time of death.
5. Return completed packet: Program reviews for acceptance (screening for infectious disease, trauma, decomposition, obesity, autopsy).
6. Receive donor card & instructions: Carry card; inform family, physician, funeral home.
7. At time of death: Next-of-kin calls program 24/7; program arranges transport (usually within service area).
8. After study (18–24 months): Cremation at university expense; ashes returned to family or interred in memorial garden.

Eligibility & Exclusions

• Age ≥18; no upper age limit
• Exclusions: active TB, hepatitis B/C, HIV, sepsis, severe trauma, decomposition, morbid obesity (>300 lbs), recent major surgery, autopsy (usually)
• Organ/tissue donation for transplant takes precedence; body donation follows if not suitable for transplant.

Costs

• No cost to donor/family for transport (within radius), cremation, death certificates.
• Family responsible for any funeral/memorial service beyond cremation.

Always verify current policies directly with the program before registering.