We appreciate your interest in the Anatomical Donor Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  It is only through the generous gifts of our anatomical donors, that health professionals are able to advance their knowledge of medicine to an effective degree.  You may be assured that we hold the privilege of studying the human body in sacred trust.

Attached are registration forms, a sheet of responses to questions most frequently asked by potential donors including an explanation of costs and information regarding our Memorial Garden at Cook Springs. Please take time to read these carefully.  If you have any questions, you may call us at the number shown on the dedication form.

To register with our program:  Complete the enclosed dedication form and vital statistics form and return them to this office.  Please take time to answer all questions accurately - this information is required for the death certificate.  It is not necessary to have these forms notarized.  We recommend that you keep a copy for your personal files.  It is very important that you keep us informed of any change in name, address, or your next of kin so that we may keep your file current.  When the dedication forms have been received and approved, we will mail a letter of acceptance with an orange donor card. Fill out the orange donor card for your wallet. Let your family know what to do, be sure to involve them in the process. Many donors do not make it to the University because the family did not know their loved one's intentions. Give your family copies of your forms as well as your doctor.

When death occurs, a family member or caregiver ­should notify our program immediately by calling 205) 934-4494.  The call will then be forwarded to our carrier service who will arrange for the body to be transported to our laboratory.  It is important that we receive the body into our possession within the 8-hour time limit.

If you are admitted into a hospital, move to a retirement community, a nursing home, or any type of specialized care facility, a copy of your dedication form and instructions should be included in your chart or care plan.

For those persons who wish to donate organs for transplantation, information can be obtained by contacting The Alabama Organ Center at (205) 731-9200.  However, in order to be a total willed body donor; all life-sustaining organs must be intact.  The only exception to this rule is an Alzheimer or Parkinson's patient who has made prior arrangements to donate their brain to the Brain Resource Program at (205) 934-1668.        

Carrie A. Elzie, PhD
Director                                                                                                                                                              
 

The Anatomical Donor Program,
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1530 3rd Avenue South, Volker Hall Box 603, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019
Telephone Number: (205) 934-4494 - FAX Number: (205) 934-1939
Email: anatomicaldonor@uab.edu