Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to register before passing away to donate my body?
A: Yes. Prior to your passing, you must be officially registered with us to participate as a donor in our program. We do not accept donations from unregistered individuals. Learn more about how to register.
Q: Who may register to become a donor?
A: Anyone free of contagious disease (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease), at least 18 years old, and of sound mind may register.
Q: Can my body be rejected for donation at the time of my death?
A: Yes. The Anatomical Gift Program has complete discretion to accept or reject your body at the time of death.
Q: May I donate my organs as well as my body?
A: Only whole eyes or corneas may be donated. It is your responsibility to contact a local eye bank to arrange for eye donation.
Q: Is there a fee for donating my body to the Boonshoft School of Medicine?
A: No. The Boonshoft School of Medicine assumes the expense of transporting your body as well as the costs of embalming, cremation, and burial in Rockafield Cemetery.
Q: Will my survivors or I receive money for my participation in the Anatomical Gift Program?
A: No.
Q: Must an attorney become involved for me to make a gift of my body?
A: No. It is not necessary to retain legal counsel to complete registration forms.
Q: What if my family objects to my donation to the Anatomical Gift Program?
A: You are advised to have the agreement of your entire family prior to registration. Your family has the right to rescind donation upon your death.
Q: What happens to my donation if I pass away in another state?
A: Should you pass away outside the state of Ohio, you will not be eligible to be a donor to our program.
Q: May I withdraw from the program at any time?
A: Yes. If you change your mind, send a letter requesting withdrawal along with your donor identification card to the Anatomical Gift Program.
Q: May I donate someone else’s body?
A: No.
Q: Are the bodies of fetuses, infants, and children acceptable for donation?
A: No.
Q: May my body be donated following an autopsy?
A: No.
Q: Does the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine offer autopsy services?
A: No. The Boonshoft School of Medicine no longer offers autopsy services. Please see this list of autopsy services.
Q: What procedure should be followed if I pass away at home?
A: The first notification for an unexpected death should be the police. If you are under home health care they will notify us of your passing. Our 24-hour phone number is (937) 775-2304.
Q: What procedure should be followed if I pass away in a hospital or care facility?
A: Upon admission, inform the hospital or care facility that you are a donor to the Anatomical Gift Program. Should you pass away, personnel at the care facility will notify the Anatomical Gift Program.
Q: What is the procedure regarding my death certificate?
A:Anatomical Gift Program personnel will initiate your death certifi cate. Once completed by a physician, the certifi cate is forwarded to the vital statistics offi ce in the county where the death occurred. Copies of the certifi cate may be purchased from the appropriate county vital statistics offi ce. The Anatomical Gift Program does not provide copies of death certifi cates.
Q: Who is responsible for writing and placing my obituary in the newspaper?
A: Your survivors are responsible for writing and placing your obituary in the newspaper. We are not financially responsible for obituary fees.
Q: How long will my body remain in the Anatomical Gift Program?
A: Your body may remain in the Anatomical Gift Program for as little as a few weeks or as long as three years.
Q: Where will my body be studied?
A: Your body will be studied at Wright State University or at another educational institution. We require your body be returned to the Boonshoft School of Medicine for cremation.
Q: Will anatomical/pathological findings be reported to family members?
A: No.
Q: What happens to my body following anatomical study?
A: Your body will be individually cremated. When the ashes are returned from the crematory to the Anatomical Gift Program, we will follow your wishes for final disposition. If the ashes are picked up or mailed from Wright State University, they cannot be returned.
Q: Is there a program to honor my loved one?
Yes. Each year the Anatomical Gift Program holds a Ceremony of Appreciation to recognize and honor donors. Invitations for this ceremony are mailed to the first next of kin. Any expense incurred for a private memorial or funeral service and associated costs are not the responsibility of the Boonshoft School of Medicine or the Anatomical Gift Program.
Q: May my survivors visit Rockafield Cemetery at Wright State University?
A: Yes. Burial sites are marked with bronze plaques bearing the year of burial. Gravesite decorations must be limited to floral arrangements, either real or silk, and are removed on a regular basis to accommodate cemetery maintenance.
Q: Can financial contributions be made in memory of a donor?
A: Financial contributions are gratefully accepted.
