Notification

At the time of death, the Anatomical Gift Program must be notified by telephone immediately. The individual responsible for making final arrangements should inform the healthcare providers, particularly the healthcare professional who pronounces death, to call 336-207-3813. Timely notification is essential to ensure the proper handling of an acceptable donation. Our program staff is available 24 hours daily, ready to initiate the donation procedure promptly. The Anatomical Gift staff will confirm acceptance and arrange to receive the donor from the place of death. Transportation of the donor will be arranged and paid for by the Anatomical Gift Program. Once the anatomical donor is officially accepted by a representative of the Anatomical Gift Program, arrangements will be made for transportation. A donor’s body must be received within 24 hours after death unless specific arrangements have been approved by the Anatomical Gift Program. A body that has been autopsied, embalmed, or is known to carry an infectious disease cannot be accepted.

After Studies Completed

Studies are usually completed within two years. At the conclusion of studies the Anatomical Gift Program will comply with the donor’s instructions regarding disposition of the cremated remains as selected on the Donor Consent Form. Cremation is at the expense of the Anatomical Gift Program. All cremated remains are returned to the designated individual as directed on the consent form.

Arrangements may be made by the designee once a letter is received notifying the appointed designee that the cremated remains are ready to be returned.

The cremated remains will only be returned to the individual designated on the Donor Consent Form following the chain of custody.

Honoring Donors

Each year, Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program holds a service to honor all donors from that year. Family members are invited and welcomed at the service. Faculty, staff and students from the Elon University School of Health Sciences and undergraduate biology students from the McMichael Science Center are also invited. The service provides an opportunity for students to express their appreciation of the donors to the donors’ families. The memorial service is a time for students and families to come together and find closure and comfort.