Medical schools and researchers rely on donations of human bodies, organs and tissues to study diseases, develop medications and treatments, and educate the doctors of tomorrow. To encourage donations, many programs offer cremation at little or no cost. Should you choose to make a donation, you’ll not only save on cremation costs, but also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your gift will continue to help others after you’re gone.

To learn more about making an anatomical donation, call a medical school near you, or contact a program – such as Life Quest Anatomical or MedCure – that matches donors with appropriate schools or research projects based on the condition of the body and the medical history of the deceased. They’ll answer your questions and tell you how to preregister for donation. When death occurs, a simple phone call will set the wheels in motion, and the receiving organization will arrange transportation of the body. Following study, the body will be cremated and the cremated remains returned to the family upon request.