Donation Process

At the time of death, a funeral director transports the deceased to the AGA.

AGA embalms the body to ensure preservation for a minimum of two years while the body is in use.

AGA transports the body to a medical school for use in gross anatomy class and student dissection.

The medical school keeps the body for at least two years, although the period of study might be longer in some cases.

When the medical school has finished using the body, the medical school cremates it and returns the ashes (cremains) to AGA.

AGA sends the cremains to the family, or wherever the family would like the cremains sent within the United States by U.S. Postal Service. If the family does not wish the cremains to be returned, AGA will bury them according to the laws of the State of Illinois.

Donation Safeguards

• AGA maintains a chain of custody throughout the process, knowing the location of a body at all times.
• AGA protects the anonymity of the donor.
• AGA and recipient schools treat the remains with dignity and respect at all times.

*Below are the two forms needed to complete your donation:

• Donor Enrollment Form

•  Authority to Cremate Form.

Please return these two forms to the AGA and keep a copy for your records.