Dalhousie University’s human body donation program

Over the course of a year, around 150 people donate their remains to Dalhousie's human body donation program.

The school says the teaching of human anatomy is an essential aspect of the curriculum for health professional students, and they accept donations from all over the Maritimes.

The program has been in place since the late 1800s and coordinator of anatomical laboratories, Rob Sandeski said it's a decision that should be made with the entire family.

“We always encourage families to have alternate arrangements, because not every family who makes that request can be served,” he told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show.

The reasons someone would be refused include safety, like if there's a communicable disease, or a delay between the time of death and when the university can be informed.

“Another would be university closure,” he said. “There's certain times of year we close the program due to holidays and stuff like that.”

Donors as young as 19 are accepted and there's no upper age limit.

Sandeski said once the death occurs, generally the family physician or a health care worker contacts the inspector of anatomy who will determine if the remains can be accepted.

Prospective donors have the option to be cremated, or have a full burial.

“We'll cover costs connected with cremation and the interment of ashes in the Dalhousie Memorial Garden or the shipping of ashes to your next of kin,” the Dalhousie human remains program said on their website.

The program holds an annual service on the last Friday of every June.

“We have a service that celebrates all the donors that we've had with us for that year,” said Sandeski.

Those interested in becoming a donor can contact the program at 902-494-6850 to register.