The Anatomical Gift Program is a whole-body donor program in which individuals can donate their body directly to New York Chiropractic College for natural healthcare education and research after death. The donation of one's body after death is a unique and priceless gift that provides the source of knowledge that is the foundation of natural healthcare education and research. NYCC recognizes the unique value of this special gift, and will be forever thankful to those who have placed their trust in us.
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. Detailed study of the human body occurs in the majority of our degree programs at New York Chiropractic College and in our Research Department. It is an invaluable and indispensible part of natural healthcare education and research. Each year, numerous whole-body donations are needed to support our institution's mission of academic excellence.
Any competent person 18 years of age or over may donate their body for medical education and research. After death, donations may also be made by the next of kin or executor.
An individual may donate their remains before death by completing an Anatomical Gift Program Enrollment form. The completion of this form does not require the services of a lawyer or notary. The form must be signed by two witnesses, preferably someone who can act on your behalf at the time of death. Upon receiving the completed Declaration of Consent, the potential donor will be registered in the files of the Anatomical Gift Program and a Donor Participant card will be issued to the donor. Please note that donations made through an individual will may be read too late after death to permit timely acceptance of the request.
As a registered donor to the Anatomical Gift Program, you should inform your next of kin, or other individuals who are responsible under the law for the deposition of your remains, of your desires to donate your body to medical science. Discuss your plans with those close to you so that your wishes may be honored. If at the time of death the next of kin or another close family member expresses regrets concerning the donation, the Anatomical Gift Program will relinquish all claim to the remains. It is also advisable for a potential donor to notify his or her physician of the arrangements.
In the event that an individual dies prior to registering with the Anatomical Gift Program, the donation can still be made. After the death of an individual, an Anatomical Gift Statement of Donation form may be executed by the next of kin or executor. Upon notification of the death of an individual, the Anatomical Gift Program will accept the remains contingent upon a verbal request by the next of kin. A Statement of Donation form must be filed within 72 hours after receipt of the remains in order for the donation to proceed.
When death occurs, a family member, hospital staff, or funeral director should notify the Anatomical Gift Program, New York Chiropractic College at (315) 568-3240.
The Anatomical Gift Program will then arrange for the transport of the body to the New York Chiropractic College. Transportation to the New York Chiropractic College is provided by a licensed funeral director under contract with the Anatomical Gift Program. If the family of the deceased wishes to utilize the services of a funeral director of their choosing, any expenses and fees beyond those normally incurred by the Anatomical Gift Program will be the responsibility of the family or estate of the deceased.
New York Chiropractic College reserves the right to decline the donation of a body when the remains are deemed unsuitable for educational purposes. A body must not be previously autopsied or embalmed.
Please discuss alternate plans with your family, in the unlikely event that we do not accept the gift of your body at the time of your death.
Organ Donation and Anatomical Gifts: The Anatomical Gift Program supports organ donations. The donation of organs for transplantation takes precedence over whole-body donation. Individuals who donate their organs for transplantation are acceptable as whole-body donations to New York Chiropractic College provided the remaining criteria are met.
When anatomical studies are completed, approximately 12 to 24 months after donation, all bodies are cremated individually and sealed.
The ashes may be returned to the family or other designated individual for final disposition.
New York Chiropractic College will assume responsibility for disposition and will inter the ashes during its Annual Interment and Memorial Services in a sanctified location at New York Chiropractic College.
While the decision of final disposition is requested at the time of the donation, it is not binding and can be changed at any time by notifying the Anatomical Gift Program. With either option, family and friends of the deceased will be invited to the Memorial Service. It is at the Memorial Service that New York Chiropractic College and its students express their appreciation to the donors and their families.
New York Chiropractic College does not offer payment for a body, but will assume responsibility for appropriate administrative and filing fees as well as for the cost of transportation of the remains to the College, up to a distance of 100 miles. For distances greater than 100 miles from the College, the next of kin or other designated individual(s) will be responsible to pay the excess charges for transportation to NYCC. Should death occur at any great distance from the NYCC, the Anatomical Gift Program will assist the family with the arrangements for donation to an Anatomical Gift Program at another medical school. Individuals who travel for extended periods to other parts of the United States to visit family and friends, and friends are also encouraged to join a donation program in that area to provide coverage for while away from home. The Anatomical Gift Program will assist you in locating a donation program at another medical school.
New York Chiropractic College does not sell whole bodies, parts or organs to for-profit businesses, research groups, or tissue banks.
The second copy should be kept by the person who will be contacting New York Chiropractic College at the time of the donor's death, perhaps a next of kin, physician, attorney, clergyman, etc.
The third copy should be kept by the donor for his/her records. We strongly suggest that donors discuss their wishes with family and friends so that everyone is aware of the Anatomical Gift Program's policies and procedures.
After receipt of your completed kit, a donor card will be issued (processing takes approximately 2 weeks). If you have any questions, please feel free to write or call the Anatomical Gift Program at the address and/or telephone number listed above. Again, thank you for your very generous spirit in this matter, and please be assured that you are making a noteworthy contribution to the education of young physicians.
If you would like additional information about New York Chiropractic College's Anatomical Gift Program, you may call (315) 568-3240 or e-mail us your name and address.