End of Life Planning

Established in 1919, the Virginia State Anatomical Program (VSAP) is the only program in Virginia authorized to receive donations of human bodies for scientific study. 

The goal of VSAP is to provide Virginians with an opportunity to make a valuable and generous gift to the living through donation of his or her body after death for study and research in medical science in a dignified, respectful and professional manner.

VSAP is an agency within the Department of Health. It does not receive state funding nor does it pay for donated bodies

Donors are used for education and research. No tissue is transplanted into a living person (which distinguishes whole-body donation from organ donation).

VSAP provides donors to six Virginia medical schools, seventeen colleges and universities, five community colleges, and two biomechanical research facilities.

There are four district offices in Virginia’s medical examiner system