UTN is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

Donate My Body To Science in Phoenix AZ

There comes a time in every person’s life when they have to ask themselves “What do I want to happen to my body when I pass on?” Some people want to be buried near their loved ones on a family plot. Others want to be cremated and have their ashes stored or scattered in a special location. And then there are those who want to continue making a difference in the world even after they’re gone.

 A nurse holding a stethoscope twisted into the shape of a heart

If that sounds like something that you, a friend, or a family member might be interested in, consider contacting United Tissue Network (UTN) today in order to donate your body to science in Phoenix, AZ.

UTN facilitates end-of-life whole body donation in Phoenix, AZ with the goal of overcoming worldwide tissue shortages, one donor at a time. Human tissue donated through UTN is used for physician education, surgical training, and research and development for medical drugs and equipment. By donating your body to science, you have the power to further medical advancements that have the potential to save and improve the lives of future generations.

Whole Body Donation as a Funeral Alternative in Phoenix, AZ

The benefits of whole body donation in Phoenix, AZ are numerous, and they’re not just limited to helping medical research and education, either. Donating your body to science is one of the most affordable funeral alternatives in Phoenix, AZ.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral in 2021 was $7,484. In direct contrast, using UTN to donate your body to science in Phoenix, AZ ensures that all your end-of-life costs are covered. We will take care of all associated fees, from removal and transportation to filing and death certification, all the way up to final cremation.

Whole body donation means that your loved ones can rest easy knowing they don’t have to worry about shouldering the financial burden of a traditional burial. Likewise, you can rest easy knowing that your tissue is playing a key role in the hands-on bio skills training and advanced disease-based research necessary to make the world a better place.

How to Donate Your Body to Science in Phoenix, AZ

Here at UTN, we are committed to making whole body donation in Phoenix, AZ as simple and stress-free a process as possible. Before making a decision whether or not whole body donation is right for you, it’s important to understand how whole body donation works.

UTN makes use of a program we call S.E.T.: Self Registration, End of Life, Time of Passing. Here’s what that means:

Self Registration

Self registration involves contacting UTN and pledging to donate your body to science in Phoenix, AZ after the time of your passing. Pledging is completely free. Once you complete the necessary paperwork, you will receive a Donor Pledge identification card in the mail so that your friends, family members, and caregivers are aware of your final wishes.

Close-up of an anatomical model of the human heart

End of Life

End-of-life whole body donation in Phoenix, AZ is for those who are approaching the end of their lives and/or are currently in hospice care. These are individuals whose diagnosis estimates a remaining lifespan of six months or less. Those who wish to donate their bodies while in this stage of life can do so by seeking preapproval through UTN either directly or through an intermediary.

Time of Passing

Donating your body to science in Phoenix, AZ, as well as donating the body of a loved one, is not limited solely to those who have pledged ahead of time. If you pass without having already formally pledged, your loved ones can still make sure your wishes are carried about, provided they have the legal authority to do so.

To summarize, donating your body to science in Arizona can be facilitated at any stage of life using the S.E.T. model:

  1. Self Registration – a person aged 18 or older in good health documents their wish to donate their body to science in advance of their passing.
  2. End of Life – a person in end-of-life or hospice care who has received a terminal prognosis of six months or less receives pre-approval for whole body donation in advance of their passing.
  3. Time of Passing – the loved ones of a person who has already passed register their body to be donated to science after establishing legal authority to do so.

There are certain factors that could result in a person being excluded from having their body donated to science. These include if your or your loved one passes due to an infectious or contagious disease that can be transmitted via deceased tissue, such as prion disease, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS. You may also be unable to donate if your remains are seriously damaged, such as through mutilation, or decomposition.

Note, however, that once you have been approved for whole body donation in Phoenix, AZ, UTN will issue you a Donor Security Certificate. This acts as a binding contract assuring you and your loved ones that they will still accept the donor’s body after death regardless of any changes to their health.

If you have questions or concerns about the process of donating your body to science in Phoenix, AZ, contact us today for more information.

Whole Body Donation vs. the Cost of Cremation in Phoenix, AZ

A stethoscope resting atop medical documents

Whether a person is consciously near the end of their life or if the end comes suddenly and without warning, donating your body or the body of a loved one to science through UTN is a way to relieve the financial burdens of burial or cremation while also performing an act of charity that improves the lives of others.

The average cost of cremation in Phoenix, AZ can go as high as $3,000. While that is less expensive than the cost of a casket and burial, it’s still a considerable expense to place on the shoulders of your friends and family members. UTN provides a better, more economical alternative.

After a donor’s body is transported to one of our facilities, the donor’s loved one will receive two certified death certificates. Prior to the placement of any tissue, the donor’s remains are tested in a CLIA-certified laboratory to ensure they are free of transmittable diseases. Please note that all of our donors’ personal information is kept private and confidential.

Upon completion of the tissue testing and donation process, the donor’s remains are then cremated by a licensed local crematory. The cremated remains are then returned to the donor’s family within 4-6 weeks.

UTN Can Help You Donate Your Body to Science in Phoenix, AZ

UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization enabling everyday people like you to actively contribute to valuable medical research and education through body donation in Phoenix, AZ. You and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing that we are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). This means that we are held to the highest standards and committed to the best practices of responsible tissue handling, storage, and transportation.

If you are looking for an affordable funeral alternative in Phoenix, AZ and you like the idea of helping future generations through the advancement of healthcare techniques and technologies, UTN is here to help. Pledge yourself or register a loved one today!

Ready to register a loved one?

Click the link below to get started: