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Donation of Human Remains

The Quillen College of Medicine appreciates your desire to donate your remains for medical education and research. To donate your remains:

  1. Please print out the following PDF Gift form: Anatomical Gift Form.pdf
  2. Fill out the entire form in the presence of two (2) witnesses.
  3. Be sure to include the current date, your birthdate, and your social security number.
  4. Using a pair of scissors, divide the form into two - along the dotted line.
  5. Mail one copy to:
                Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
                Quillen College of Medicine,
                P. O. Box 70582,
               Johnson City, TN 37614-1708.
  6. The other copy should be given to a relative, friend, or physician with instructions to report your death to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 1-866-968-3668 (1-866 YOU DON8).

The Quillen College of Medicine does not pay individuals for their remains.
However, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology does arrange for and pay the expenses of embalming and delivery of your remains to the College of Medicine if death occurs within a 30-mile radius of Johnson City, Tenn. Individuals outside of this 30-mile area may still donate their remains to the Quillen College of Medicine, but will have to incur the cost of transportation and/or embalming expenses (usually less than $300). Consequently, individuals residing in neighboring states (e.g., Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky), and are more than 250 miles away from Johnson City, are encouraged to contact medical schools within their respective states prior to donating to the Quillen College of Medicine.

Please note that the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology will be unable to accept your remains if:

  • an autopsy has been performed,
  • the remains exceed 230 pounds,
  • you are affected by a contagious disease,
  • when the tissues have been damaged excessively (as in a severe automobile accident) or embalming has been done without approval of our department,
  • we are not notified within five (5) hours of death.

In addition to the donation of your remains to the College of Medicine, you may donate your eyes to the Mountain Region Donor Service, 110 KLM Drive, Gray, Tennessee 37615m 1-888-562-3774 or the East Tennessee Lion’s Eye Bank, 1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920, (865) 544-9625. Donations of other organs prevents acceptance as a whole body donor.

By your donation, you are making a noteworthy contribution to medical education. The College of Medicine appreciates your generous spirit in this matter. Please note that all utilization and cremation of donated remains is performed locally. If you have additional questions, please contact the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.

Telephone numbers:
Monday –Friday (8:00 am-4:30 pm)
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Quillen College of Medicine
TOLL FREE: 1-866-968-3668 (1-866-YOU DON8)