How to make a donation

You may donate your body by completing a donor form, available upon request from the State Anatomical Program. You may also download the Declaration of Intent form and the Supplementary Information Form. Send an original to the State Anatomical Program, and give copies to a relative, physician, pastor, friend or any person who is aware that you wish to be a donor. Be sure that a copy of the donor form is accessible because any delay could disqualify a body for donation.

Donors should notify the following individuals and organizations about their intent to donate: those designated to make final disposition; next of kin; and the relevant personal physician, hospital or nursing home. Upon your death, the physician, nursing supervisor, hospital or relative should contact the State Anatomical Program at (804) 786-2479.

If death occurs during normal working hours, 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, the State Anatomical Program will give instructions. If death occurs at a hospital after hours or on a weekend, the hospital should hold the remains in its facility and leave a message on the voicemail of the State Anatomical Program. They should also notify the State Anatomical Program the next working day to make arrangements for removal. If death occurs at a nursing home or a residence, the nursing home and/or a relative should contact the closest funeral home and request the remains be taken to the closest hospital with a holding facility. The State Anatomical Program will pay a designated amount for transportation costs for those who are pre-registered.  No body can be picked up by the State Anatomical Program without a properly signed Virginia Death Certificate.

The bodies received are used strictly for the purpose of medical education in the instruction of anatomy and science. Families may request the return of cremated remains after the body is no longer needed. You may download and complete the request form and return it to the State Anatomical Program at the time of donor’s death. Please understand that the return of cremated remains can take from six months to several years.

Declaration of Intent Form
Supplementary Information Form
Request for Return of Cremated Remains