Anatomical Donation Program

Questions? Please see: Questions and Answers

Donation of Humans Remains to Meharry Medical College

The ultimate gift that men and women can give is a gift of some part of their body or their whole body after death for the prolongation of the lives of others, the education of medical students, physicians, dentist, other medical personnel, the advancement of medical research, and therapy (physical and occupational). There are laws that permit individuals (who are at least 18 years old and of sound mind) to donate their bodies for these purposes. When such a gift is intended, it is always advisable to inform relatives of one’s plans, gain their agreement, and give them the information that will help them to carry out the donation.

The family/donor must accept the fact that Meharry Medical College cannot issue reports regarding the cause of death or any findings from our laboratory studies. If a family wishes to obtain such information, they should have an autopsy performed by a qualified pathologist.

The Donation Procedure:

1. Please print and complete our Anatomical Donation Form here. (NOTE: The form can be filled out on your computer and then printed)
2. Fill out the entire form in the presence of two (2) witnesses.
3. Be sure to include the current date, your birthdate, and your social security number (optional).
4. Mail one copy to:

   Anatomical Donation Program
   Department of Professional/Medical Education
   Meharry Medical College
   1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Blvd.
   Nashville, TN 37208-3599

The other copy should be given to a relative, friend, or physician with instructions

To report your death to the Department of Professional/Medical Education, (615) 327-6944 or 1-800-386-3239 Option #3

For those interested in more information regarding the donation program and the procedure for making a donation, please write or contact us at the above address or phone number. By doing so, you may secure our brochure, entitled, “The Ultimate Gift.” After reading the entire brochure and a decision has been made, you may register with the program using the Uniform Donor Card attached to the brochure. Follow the directions found in the brochure and return the attached donor card to our office.

Please note that the Department of Professional/Medical Education will be unable to accept your remains if:

• An autopsy has been performed
• The donor is affected by a contagious disease
• The donor remains exceed (200 lbs. /men; 175 lbs /women)
• Any organs have been donated except the eyes
• Surgery performed six weeks prior to death or body damaged due to severe accident
• Embalmed – without prior approval of our program

For those survivors or next-of-kin who wish to donate a loved one’s body, contact the Donation Office at the time of death. We will provide instructions and information regarding criteria for donation.

Phone numbers to use for acquiring information or notification at the time of death:

Anatomical Donation Office – (615) 327-6691
Department of Professional/Medical Education Office – (615) 327-6944
Pager – 1-800-386-3239 Option #3
Security Office – (615) 327-6254