Hands

Program Participation and Notification of Passing

  1. Who do we contact when a potential donor has passed?

    It is imperative that a representative of the Program is contacted as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. We may be reached by calling 403-220-6950 and selecting option #1. A representative is available for notification of passing 24/7/365. If the call is time sensitive our contracted funeral service provider, Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, can be reached directly at 403-216-5111.

  1. What does the hospital/care centre do when death of a potential donor occurs?

    If the body has been accepted, the body should be prepared in the same fashion as would be done for a funeral home including documentation. The university will also make the necessary arrangements for transportation of the body to the university. 

  1. Are there any costs associated with Body Donation?

    For accepted donations, all costs will be covered by the University of Calgary Body Donation Program. These include the transportation of the body, cremation and interment of the cremated remains in the university plot at Queen's Park Cemetery. Should the family wish to have the remains returned to them, the cost of a private internment or burial would be borne by the family. 

  1. What if death occurs outside of Calgary?

    The boundaries of the University of Calgary's service area for accepting donations are: North to Red Deer, South to U.S.A. border, East to Saskatchewan border and West to B.C. border. If a death occurs outside our service area please be aware that we will not be able to accept the donation. We reserve the right to amend our service area under certain circumstances on a case by case basis. 

  1. If I donate my body, what happens after studies are completed?

    Depending on how the body is to be utilized, it can be in our care anywhere from several months up to six years or more. Afterwards, the remains are cremated and returned to the university in preparation for final disposition as previously arranged with the personal representative named in the will of the decedent and/or next-of-kin.

  1. How long can one expect to be in the Program?

    The average length of stay in our Program is six years, but varies greatly. We advise donors and families to be comfortable with the six year time period. 

  1. Will my remains be returned to my loved ones?

    Yes, if that is the family's wish and is consistent with the wishes of the personal representative you named in your will. Changes, however, can be made at anytime prior to final disposition.

  1. How does the University prepare the bodies for cremation and burial?

    The bodies are cremated separately by our contracted provider Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services. The cremated remains are respectfully placed into individual temporary urns for either burial in the university plot or returned to the family for private disposition.