The medical field has seen significant scientific breakthroughs in recent years. Advancements in prescription medications, medical procedures, orthopedic implants, and more are all made possible through the valuable process of whole-body donation in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
There is no substitute for real human tissue when it comes to medical research and education. However, it is difficult to come by. That is why medical schools and research institutions around the globe rely on generous whole-body tissue donations from those who have passed away.
At United Tissue Network (UTN), we are an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower individuals looking to make a difference in the world through whole-body donations. We also offer Fort Lauderdale residents cost-free end-of-life options for themselves or their loved ones when the time comes.
By donating your body to science, you could contribute to the healthcare of countless people for generations to come. If you or a loved one is interested in the life-changing act of whole-body donation in Fort Lauderdale, FL, please don’t hesitate to pledge yourself or register a loved one today.
How to Donate Your Body to Science in Fort Lauderdale, FL
At UTN, we simplify the whole-body donation process to make it easier on you and your loved ones and to maximize the benefit of your valuable contribution. We use a three-pronged approach that we call the S.E.T. process.
Self-Registration – Individuals who know they want to make a valuable contribution when they pass can pledge to become a donor at any time. Upon completing some registration forms, we will send you a Donor Pledge identification card confirming your registration. This will help your loved ones know your decision to donate your body to science.
End-of-Life Registration– Individuals with a diagnosed life expectancy of six months or fewer can contact UTN directly or through a legally-authorized representative to seek donation preapproval. Upon approval, we will issue a Donor Security Certificate, which acts as our promise to accept your donation upon your passing.
Time-of-Passing Registration – If a loved one has passed on without prior donation approval, they can still give the gift of whole-body donation. We just need the next of kin to contact UTN and give us consent, allowing us to accept the donation.
Most residents who wish to donate their bodies to science in Fort Lauderdale through UTN are eligible. Age, most medical conditions, and weight will not exclude you from being a whole-body donor. Additionally, we adhere to the strictest, up-to-date guidelines to keep all personal information confidential, both before and after a donation is made.
Funeral Alternatives in Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you are deciding whether to donate your or a loved one’s body to science, one aspect many families consider is the high costs associated with traditional funeral and burial services. Unfortunately, end-of-life care and funeral costs can be incredibly expensive, a figure that only continues to rise.
In addition to the increasing cost of funerals and burial services, another factor to consider is the environmental impact. Did you know that many countries around the globe are faced with a lack of burial space in existing cemeteries? This means that either more land needs to be converted into burial grounds or we need to find more sustainable funeral alternatives.
Donating your body to science not only reduces the need for additional cemetery space but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and prevents the introduction of toxic embalming chemicals into the soil.
If you are looking for funeral alternatives in Fort Lauderdale, FL, whole-body donation through UTN is both a financial and eco-friendly option.
Donating vs. the Cost of Cremation in Fort Lauderdale, FL
As noted above, the costs for afterlife care are growing. The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $9,000, but those costs can quickly increase. A viable and more affordable alternative is cremation, but even those costs can become unaffordable for families facing a tough decision.
Did you know there are four different types of cremation you can consider at the end of life? Cremation with a traditional service is generally the most expensive option and incorporates a traditional funeral service. The cost of cremation with a traditional service in Fort Lauderdale averages around $4,000-$5,000.
Cremation with memorial service is often cheaper, at under $4,000. Cremation without any type of ceremony, known as direct cremation, is the cheapest end-of-life option besides body donation to science. Still, the average direct cremation cost in Fort Lauderdale is estimated at about $2,500.
Whole-body donation through UTN, by contrast, offers afterlife care at no cost to you or your loved ones. When you choose to donate your body to science in Fort Lauderdale through UTN, we cover all the basics of passing, including coordination of transport, direct cremation, and two certified copies of the death certificate.
Upon cremation, relatives can then have their loved ones’ ashes returned to them or scattered at sea as part of the UTN Memorial Program. The timeframe between the body’s donation and receipt of the ashes is typically 4 to 6 weeks.
UTN Removes the Guesswork of Whole Body Donation in Fort Lauderdale, FL
At United Tissue Network, we want to give back to the global community and provide compassionate funeral alternatives to those looking to make a difference.
There are many misconceptions about whole-body donation, and we want to shed light on its many benefits and make it more accessible. For instance, did you know that you can pledge your body to science even if you are an organ donor?
As an American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) accredited organization, we encourage all of our whole-body donor pledges to be organ donors, too. Note that when you register for organ donation and whole-body donation, organ donation takes priority to assist living individuals in need.
Do you want to donate your body to science in Fort Lauderdale, FL? Don’t wait. Contact UTN today to speak with one of our Donor Service Coordinators!
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