Cadavers needed: B.C. university dealing with decline in donation
It's not the typical type of donation sought, but the University of British Columbia is in need of particular items: cadavers.
The Vancouver-based school said there's always a need for bodies, which are used in teaching and research, but lately, there haven't been many available.
The school says there's been a "significant decline" in donations of cadavers to a program that has been in operation since 1950.
The program typically gets between 80 and 110 bodies donated a year, UBC said, but lately, it's about 45 to 50.
And it's not a unique situation, a spokesperson said in an email.
"Universities across North America are experiencing this trend."
These bodies are used by students in medicine, biomedical engineering, dentistry and other fields to learn anatomy, practice surgical techniques, test new devices and other uses.
Those interested in donating their remains can register in advance, similar to with organ donation programs.
At the time of their death, their next of kin or health care provider will then contact the UBC Body Donation Program, which must receive the body within 72 hours for it to be of use.
Cadavers will remain in the school's care for six months to three years, and some parts may be retained indefinitely, if the person or their next of kin agrees to it.
After that, the school will arrange for cremation and the person's loved ones can collect their ashes.
UBC will cover the costs of the cremation, but not transportation of the body to the campus, unless the person dies in the Metro Vancouver area.
Donors must be over the age of 30, and the university can choose to decline donations in certain cases, so those thinking about donation should have a backup plan. Conditions that may prevent donation include HIV/AIDS, severe antibiotic-resistant infections, obesity, extensive trauma to the body and autopsy. UBC may also turn down the bodies of those who've donated their organs, had some types of cancer or major surgery, and some other medical conditions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.