Body Donor Program

Thank you for your interest in the USD Body Donation Program. Fill out the form below to get in contact with someone from the program to learn more. If you know you want to donate, please download the registration packet, complete the required forms and return the packet to the following mailing address. Or you can use our Inquiry Form linked below.

SSOM Body Donation Program
Lee Medical Building
414 E. Clark St. 
Vermillion, S.D. 57069
Call 605-677-5555 for assistance.

Inquiry Form

The University of South Dakota acknowledges and celebrates with deepest appreciation the gift of the donors and their loved ones with an annual memorial service.

Student Testimonials

The following are student testimonials from the 2023 memorial service.

• Reflection Poem
• Aaron Clemens
• Ashton Hallsted-Kallhoff
• Belle Grady

What conditions would make me ineligible for donation?

Conditions may exist which would render the donor unsuitable for study or would risk safety to students and faculty. Morbid obesity, organ donation (with the exception of eyes), severe trauma, communicable diseases or decomposition are the main reasons why we would not accept a donation. Therefore determination of acceptance into the program can only be made at the time of death. If there are questions or concerns with any of the above mentioned conditions please call and ask. We are more than happy to clarify or explain the reasonings behind this thought process.

Can I be an organ donor and still donate my body to the medical school?

Any individual may donate their organs, and it is strongly encouraged. You will no longer be eligible for whole body donation with us, but the gift you are giving far outweighs our needs. The chances of one being able to donate vital organs to the living are far fewer than being able to donate to our program. Eye donation is the exception to vital organ donation at time of death. Previous living donations (for example a kidney or bone marrow donation) may be made and still keep the donor eligible for whole body donation.

If I have not signed my bequeathal form, can my family still donate my body to the University of South Dakota?

A donation made by the next of kin after death has occurred will be accepted only if space allows and at the discretion of the Body Donation Program.

Can I or my next of kin revoke my donation?

Yes. A donor or their next of kin may choose to revoke a donation at any time by contacting the Body Donation Program.

What happens if the Body Donation Program declines my donation?

If a donation is declined, it is the family's obligation to make final arrangements.

Can a person be too old or young to donate his or her body?

The Sanford School of Medicine does not accept donors under the age of 18. We only ask the age on our forms and birth date to ensure we are following applicable laws. We are happy to take donors of any age over 18. We have accepted donors at the age of 102.

Will my family receive a report of your findings?

No. The mission of our Body Donation Program is to support anatomical education.

Will the medical school pay me or my family for my body?

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Law prohibits medical schools from purchasing human bodies.

What should the family do when a donor has died?

At the time of death the family should call their funeral director and advise them to contact a representative of the University of South Dakota Body Donation Program for instructions regarding proper preparation of the body. If this is not done, there is a chance we will be unable to accept the potential donor as preservation becomes an issue.

Is it necessary to employ a funeral home if I donate my body to USD?

Yes. Each body must be initially embalmed at a licensed funeral home prior to arrival at the university. The funeral home is asked to contact USD for appropriate instructions. All expenses incurred at the funeral home are the responsibility of the donor's estate.

Is it possible for my family to deliver my body to the medical school?

No. A licensed funeral home, a licensed funeral facility, or the South Dakota Body Donation Program personnel must transport all bodies.

Is there a cost to my family if I donate my body to the University of South Dakota?

Yes. The donor's estate is responsible for the cost of transport outside of South Dakota or 100 miles from the Vermillion campus to the medical school.

May a customary or traditional type of funeral service be held?

Yes. A visitation and a traditional service may be held prior to the transfer of the body to the Sanford School of Medicine.

Does Sanford School of Medicine hold a memorial service for the donors?

Yes. Each year the University of South Dakota students honor donors with a memorial service to recognize those who have generously donated to medical education. Faculty, staff and students attend and participate in this service to publicly express their appreciation to the donor families. Family members will be notified of the date and time of this service.

Typically how long does a study take?

Studies typically last for two and a half years. Some studies last more or less time. We will notify your family when the study is complete regardless of time frame.