The precious gift of body donation allows Logan University chiropractic students to study the science of the human body. It allows the students to learn and understand the complexities of the human body in a far better manner than books or computer programs can ever provide. Information can be requested from the Coordinator of Anatomical Donations by calling 636-230-1735 or emailing Tracy.Kisgen@hxset.com

The gift of one’s body after death is governed by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of the state of Missouri, which became law in 1969. Sections 194.210 to 194.290 of the Missouri Revised Statutes are cited as the Act. It has provided uniformity with similar laws of other states.

Any individual who is at least 18 years of age may become a gift body donor under the stated conditions. A donation of another’s body may be made after death by an attorney in fact under the durable power of attorney, by the next of kin or by a guardian.

Donor forms can be requested from the Coordinator of Anatomical Donations by calling 636-230-1735. The requester is sent two sets of forms. The forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a notary public. One form must be returned to Logan University in the provided self-addressed envelope and include the individual’s original signature and the original stamp/seal and signature of the notary. The second copy of the gift form should be kept with the individual’s personal files. Following completion of the forms and informing the family of the desire there is nothing more to be done until death.

Please contact the Coordinator for Anatomical Donations for a full and current list of restrictions.

The only expense that the family or estate incurs when there is a gift body is the transportation by a funeral director or transporting company. It is suggested that an inquiry about the charges for transportation be made prior to authorizing delivery. Logan does not assume expenses.

Logan encourages all donors to share their wish for whole body donation with their family members. However, if the next of kin does not wish to carry out the donor’s wishes, the body donation will abide.

At the time of death, the Coordinator for Anatomical Donations should be contacted to verify the donation. The family gives the signed donation form to a funeral home director or transporting company official. They in turn deliver the body with the proper papers to Logan. The transportation to Logan is the only expense paid by the family. It is suggested that the inquiry concerning the charges be made prior to authorizing the transportation and delivery. The Coordinator for Anatomical Donations can provide a list of transporting companies. The funeral director or transport company will take care of the necessary paperwork regarding the death certificate.

If a gift body donor dies outside of the St. Louis metropolitan area the same policies hold as if the death occurred in the St. Louis area. The Coordinator for Anatomical Donations must be contacted by the funeral home for proper procedures. If the family does not want to donate to Logan because of the distance and costs, the Coordinator for Anatomical Donations may be able to recommend another medical school with a similar program.

Following death, the body needs to be transported to Logan as soon as possible for proper preparation. Families are encouraged to have a memorial service, depending upon their own faith and beliefs, shortly after the death without the body present.

Families may request the cremains but the decision to receive cremains must be made at the time the body is received by Logan University. Two contact numbers are required. It generally takes 2.5 to 3 years before the cremains are ready to be returned.

Cremains not returned to the family are buried at Holy Cross in Ellisville, Mo. At the site there is one common grave marker with the following inscription: “In memory and thanksgiving, the administration, students, faculty and staff of Logan University express appreciation to the families of those who have donated bodies. This precious gift has allowed students of chiropractic to study the science of the human body.” The location at Holy Cross is: Interment Number 72974, Grave location 1, Section 2, and Lot L.

Each May, a memorial service is held on Logan’s campus. At the service, faculty, staff and students remember the lives of those individuals who donated their bodies as well as their families and friends.