Q: How long is it from the time ofremoval by the Anatomy Boarduntil cremation?

A: In most cases, cremation will occurwithin a year to a year and a half,depending on when the body isreleased from the medical program.

Q: What happens to the ashes ofthe cremated body?

A: Following cremation, the ashes areinterred in a dedicated gravesitein Sykesville, Maryland.

Q: Can the ashes be returned tothe family for burial or privatedisposition?

A: Yes. You may designate on yourdonation form that the ashes are tobe returned to the family by listingthe name, address and telephonenumber of the person to receivethem. The ashes will be returnedin an urn suitable for burial orentombment.

STATE OF MARYLAND

DHMHMaryland Department of Health

and Mental Hygiene

Poet Robert Test beautifully states:

"The day will come when my body will lieupon a white sheet tucked neatly under the fourcorners of a mattress, located in a hospital busilyoccupied with the living and the dying. At acertain moment, a doctor will determine thatmy brain has ceased to function and that, for allintents and purposes, my life has stopped.

"When that happens, do not attempt to.instillartificial life into my body by the use of amachine and don't call this my deathbed. Letit be called the Bed of Life, and let my body betaken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

"GIVE my sight to the man who has never seena sunrise, a baby's face of love in the eyes ofawoman. GIVE my heart to the person whoseown heart has caused nothing but endless daysof pain. GIVE my blood to the teenager who waspulled from the wreckage of his car, so that hemay live to see his grandchildren play. GIVEmy kidneys to a person who depends upon amachine to exist from week to week. TAKE mybones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve inmy body and find a way to make a crippledchild walk. EXPLORE every corner of my brain.TAKE my cells, if necessary, and let them growso that, someday, a speechless boy will shoutat the crack of a bat or a deaf girl will hear thesound of rain against a window.

"BURN what is left of me and scatter the ashesto the winds to help the flowers grow. If youmust bury something, let it be my faults,my weaknesses and all my prejudice against myfellow man. Give my sins to the devil. Givemy soul to God.

"If, by chance, you wish to remember me,do it with a kind deed or word to someone whoneeds you. If you do all I have asked, I willlive forever. "

QUESTIONS&

ANSWERS

About theMaryland

Anatomy Board'sBody Donation

Program

For further information, call or write:

State Anatomy BoardBressler Research Building, Room B-026

655 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21201-1559

410-547-1222 Day or Night1-800-879-2728 In State Toll Free

410-706-8107 Fax

Q: What is the purpose of the AnatomyBoard Donation Program?

A: To receive the body of a person whohas donated his or her remains to theAnatomy Board for use in the advance-ment of medical research and education.

Q: Who may donate a body after death?A: A person's right to determine disposition

of the deceased is based on the followingpriority relationship: A) spouse; B) adultson or daughter; C) either parent;D) adult brother or sister; E) guardian atthe time of death; or F) any other personor agency authorized to or under obliga-tion to dispose of the body.

contacted immediately. The AnatomyBoard will arrange to have the bodymoved to its facility.

Q: What happens to the body when it isreceived by the Anatomy Board?

A: The body is prepared for use in amedical program, and held until it isreleased for study.

Q: Is there a need for body donations?A: Yes.Donors are needed to support

programs in medical education andresearch study. Q: Who will use the body?

A: The body will be used to supportresearch and educational studyprograms at medical institutions.The Anatomy Board serves medicaland dental schools, resident teachingprograms, and other related health,education, and research studyprograms.

Q: May I also donate to organ bankprograms?

A: Yes. If you are registered with anorgan bank or the Driver's LicenseProgram, keep your card with any otheridentification you carry.

Q: How do I donate my body to theAnatomy Board?

A: By completing an Anatomy Board donorform. You may write or telephone theBoard to request this form and anyadditional information. Q: Suppose I die out of State?

A: If a signed donor dies in one of thestates surrounding Maryland, the familywill have the cost of transporting thebody into the State -- usually the closestfuneral home inside the Marylandborder. If a donor dies out of state andthe distance to transport is unreasonable,then the closest Medical Teaching Facilityshould be notified, as well as theAnatomy Board's office.

Q: Is a funeral service held?A: No. The Anatomy Board assumes

immediate custody of the body, so afuneral service with the body presentis not possible. However, the familymay elect to have a memorial serviceat any time.

Q: Are there any charges to my estateor my family for the Anatomy Board'sservices? ,

A: No. All costs are paid by the State,including transportation, embalming,and cremation.

Q: Is there an age limit?A: The Anatomical Gift Act allows anyone

18 years of age or older to donate hisor her body to the Board.

Q: How may I cancel my donation?A: Your donation may be cancelled at any

time by writing to the Anatomy Board.

Q: What about a death notice in thenewspaper?

A: The family may place an obituarynotice, at their own expense. Thenewspaper will confirm the death withthe Anatomy Board prior to publica-tion.

Q: If a person dies and has not donatedtheir body to the Anatomy Board bypre-registering, can the donation bemade after-death by the family?

A: An after-death donation may beauthorized and accepted by the Boardonly if the Board determines that thebody is suitable for medical study.

Q: How is the Anatomy Board notifiedof my death?

A: Notification to the Board is madeimmediately by the nursing home,hospital, or doctor in attendance. Ifthere is no attending physician, thelocal police department should be

Q: What happens after the body hasbeen used in a medical program?

A: The body is returned to the AnatomyBoard and cremated.