In the world of medical education and scientific research, there is no substitute for real, authentic human tissue. Donated tissue provides surgical students with the most realistic representation of the human anatomy possible. It also helps researchers develop new techniques, medicines, and technology for the treatment of various illnesses.
If you want to ensure that the legacy you leave behind is a positive one, consider registering to donate your body to science in Port St. Lucie, FL. As an AATB-accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission here at United Tissue Network is to help make whole body donation easy and accessible to everyone in the state of Florida, regardless of their current health situation.
UTN is proud to serve Port St. Lucie and other communities throughout Florida. If you or a loved one pass away while in the state, donating your body to science is easy. We will take care of every aspect of the process from transportation to storage to filing to certification. Contact us today to learn more!
What to Know About Whole Body Donation in Port St. Lucie, FL
Whole body donation in Port St. Lucie, FL has never been easier thanks to UTN’s “S.E.T.” model. S.E.T. stands for “Self-registration, End-of-life, Time-of-Passing” and refers to the three different ways donors can pledge their tissue after they have passed on.
Self-registration occurs when a person in relatively good health chooses to plan ahead for the future. It involves contacting UTN and registering by filling out some simple paperwork, after which you will receive a Donor Pledge identification card.
End-of-life refers to when a person seeks preapproval for donation after entering hospice care or receiving a prognosis of six months or less. Either the prospective donor or a legally authorized family member contacts UTN, allowing us to begin making arrangements for receipt of the body after the time of passing. The individual is then issued a Donor Security Certificate, indicating that UTN will honor its agreement regardless of any changes in the donor’s health condition after preapproval.
Time-of-passing refers to when a person is unable to register or receive preapproval for whole body donation before passing on. In this case, a legally authorized friend or family member can contact UTN to donate their loved one’s remains, ensuring that their final wishes are indeed carried out.
Why Donating is a Good Funeral Alternative in Port St. Lucie, FL
Whatever stage of life you choose to pledge yourself or register a loved one for whole body donation in Port St. Lucie, FL, you, your friends, and your family can all rest assured that your remains are in good hands.
Unlike a traditional funeral, where those who survive you are forced to shoulder the financial burden of a casket, headstone, and burial plot (not to mention the services of a professional mortician), donating your body to science is available at no cost. UTN will cover every aspect of the process. We will even provide your family with two certified Death Certificates. Again, UTN offers this service at no cost to you or your loved ones.
For those seeking funeral alternatives in Port St. Lucie, FL, whole body donation through UTN offers a convenient and cost-effective option.
Body Donation and the Cost of Cremation in Port St. Lucie, FL
After a donor’s body has been accepted by UTN, the remains will then be transported to a CLIA-certified laboratory. There, the tissue is tested for any infectious diseases that might disqualify it from being placed with a qualified research or training organization. These include transmittable diseases like Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Once the tissue has been placed with a research or training organization, it may be used for study for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. At the end of the study period, the donated tissue will then be cremated at a local licensed crematory, after which family members have the option of having the remains returned to them. Alternatively, loved ones can request that the donor’s ashes be scattered into the ocean as part of the UTN Memorial Program.
As with all other aspects of the donation process, UTN is proud to provide these services at no cost to you or your loved ones. By contrast, the cost of cremation in the state of Florida can reach as high as $2,500. That’s before factoring in the cost of memorial services, which often doubles the cost.
Donate Your Body to Science in Port St. Lucie, FL Today
Whole body donation is a great way of making a difference in the world, while also sidestepping the prohibitive costs associated with traditional funerals and cremation services. These are just a few of the benefits of whole body donation that have helped make it an attractive funeral option for countless people all across the state of Florida.
Though donor registration can be completed at any time, there’s no better time than the present. With that in mind, please consider pledging to donate your body to science in Port St. Lucie, FL today. Contact United Tissue Network for more information.
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