What To Expect After A Death
Research For Life has dedicated years to streamlining the whole body donation process. Our process consists of two phases for both registered and non-registered donors. We have also made sure to take every action possible to keep contact with your loved ones at a minimum during this difficult time.
Phase One
All registered and pre-qualified Research For Life donors have already supplied all required authorization and permission forms for this phase.
Steps for Registered Donors:
- Step 1: Contact Research For Life to report the death.
- Step 2: Collect information for the transportation of the donor.
- Step 3: Transportation to the Research For Life facility.
Steps for Non-registered Donors
- Step 1: Contact Research For Life to report the death.
- Step 2: Complete the Qualification Questionnaire. Research For Life will use the questionnaire to determine donor qualification during the call.
- Step 3: Authorization/permission for transportation. We obtain all necessary authorizations and collect the information necessary for transportation of the donor.
- Step 4: Transportation to the Research For Life facility.
Phase Two
- Step 1: Research For Life contacts the legal next of kin for additional information. The Medical/Social History questionnaire, any missing information from the authorization packet, and any additional forms that may be needed, depending on the situation, will be requested at this time.
*Note: In Arizona, the Death Registration Worksheet will be requested. In California, we will confirm death certificate information by phone. *
- Step 2: The donor body is processed for recovery at the Research For Life facility. Those tissues not retained for placement are cremated at this time.
- Step 3: If selected, the cremated remains are returned to the legal next of kin within 4 to 6 weeks.
We provide several options to all our donors:
- Spread Ashes at Sea (a.k.a. Burial at Sea)
- “No Return” Option
- Step 4: The donor is honored at the Research For Life Annual Memorial Celebration in Arizona and California in April. Personal invitations are sent out to the families of donors from the previous year. All attendees are welcome to bring friends and additional family members.
