How Do I Donate?

COVID Protocol: As of May 5th, 2024: Donors must be free of COVID-19 for 5 days, prior to their passing, to be considered for anatomical donation for our program.

Duke Chapel Tower against clear sky

If you’ve decided to donate your body to the Duke University School of Medicine, here are the steps to follow:

  1. Get a Donor Card
    • You can download the “Donor Card” OR call the Duke Anatomical Gifts Program at 919-681-5471 to ask for a small, wallet-sized copy.
  2. Fill Out the Donor Card
    • Sign the card in front of two impartial witnesses.
    • If the person who wants to donate has already passed away or can’t legally sign, call the Duke Anatomical Gifts Program (919-681-5471). We will send the Next-of-Kin (NOK) or Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) an “Agreement to Donation” to sign in place of the “Donor Card”.
  3. Share Copies of the Donor Card
    • Give copies to people who may help with your care at the end-of-life, such as:
      • Your doctor
      • A funeral home
      • Hospice workers
      • Family members, neighbors, or legal caregivers (like a HCPOA)
  4. Keep a Copy with You and with your other important documents
  5. When the Time Comes
    • If someone is near the end-of-life or has already passed, your loved ones/caregivers will need to send a copy of the “Donor Card” to Duke.
    • It can be sent by secure email or fax (fax number: 919-681-5520).
    • Duke Anatomical Gifts will then review the person’s medical history to make sure the body is okay for donation.

A Few Important Notes:

  • Talk with your family and caregivers about your choice. Make sure they understand what it means to be a whole-body donor.
  • Duke’s staff is happy to help answer questions or guide your family through the process (919-681-5471).

Please remember:
Even if someone has signed up to donate, Duke may not be able to accept the body at the time of death. In the following cases, the body cannot be used for medical teaching or research for safety precautions:

  • If the body was badly injured (like in a car accident)
  • If the person had contagious conditions, including but not limited to hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, etc.