Anatomical Gift Program – Importance of Body Donations

There is a need for human bodies for use in medical education and research in North Carolina. Until the 1970’s this need was met through a combination of donated and unclaimed bodies. With the development of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and continued growth of the paramedical profession, there has been an increased need for cadaver material. The majority of bodies now used must be acquired through individual bequeathal or through donation of the body of a deceased relative by the surviving next of kin.

The donation of human remains for medical education and research is provided by state Statute 90.220.190.220.9. In eastern North Carolina, the Regional Representative of the North Carolina Commission of Anatomy is the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, which supervises the anatomical donation program.