funeral ceremony with casket

As a valued part of the tissue donation continuum, you can expect a robust range of support from us, including regular communication, reimbursement for time and supplies needed following donation, informational materials for families, continuing education, and more.

Reimbursement for Donation-Related Costs

LifeNet Health is committed to respecting the dignity of every donor. We understand that tissue recovery may require extra time and supplies. To ensure that donation-related costs are not passed on to families, we encourage funeral home partners to submit invoices for additional time and supplies needed. 

Expanding Options for Research Donation

Funeral partners play a vital role in advancing research that can improve millions of lives. LifeNet Health typically manages 20 to 30 ongoing research projects, requiring both healthy and diseased organs or tissues. These projects support groundbreaking efforts, such as our partnership with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation to find a cure for CTE.

List of Current Research Projects

While hospitals must report all deaths to an OPO or tissue bank, nearly two-thirds of deaths occur outside hospital settings. This is where you, as funeral partners, become crucial. By offering research donation as an option to families, you can help facilitate contributions to these important projects.

We Want to Hear From You

Your feedback is crucial to our continuous improvement as we work together to save and enhance lives. We encourage funeral home partners to complete a brief 4-question survey following tissue donation cases. Survey respondents will be entered into a quarterly prize drawing.

Take a Brief Survey

Continuing Education for Funeral Home Professionals

As part of our commitment to supporting professional development, LifeNet Health offers instructor-led Continuing Education programs for funeral home professionals. These sessions can be scheduled with one of our representatives in Virginia, Northern Florida, or the Pacific Northwest (Montana, Idaho, and Washington state). Note: CE credit availability may vary by state.

  • Compassion Fatigue: Reclaim the Joy of Caring. CE credits: 1.0 or 3.0, depending on the class.
  • Tissue Banking Past, Present and Future: Expanding Opportunities for Donation. CE credits: 1.0.
  • The Donation Process. CE credits: 1.0.
  • Working Together for the Grieving Family. CE credits: 1.0.

For more information on any of our educational offerings or to schedule a program, please contact FuneralHomeSupport@lifenethealth.org.

Respectful Reconstruction Practices

We collaborate with each funeral home partner to provide services that honor the decisions of donors and their families, including using reconstruction practices that facilitate any funeral option the family wishes. We are committed to going above and beyond the criteria established by the American Association of Tissue Banks. One example is our use of Biobone, a biodegradable prosthetic that facilitates a range of burial plans. Because it is emission-free, Biobone is also safe for cremation. We also use an artificial arterial system to aid in reconstruction of the lower extremities.

We are committed to simplifying preparation of the donor for burial. Our Restoration Guide (PDF) has been developed to support funeral home teams following recovery.

Please reach out to us for any additional donor-related restorative supplies at FuneralHomeSupport@lifenethealth.org.

Educational Materials to Support Families

LifeNet Health provides a range of informational materials to help funeral home partners support donors and their families, including brain donation rack cards, materials to complement preneed packets for families, and Donate Life flags. Request these items by reaching out to your LifeNet Health liaison directly, or by emailing FuneralHomeSupport@lifenethealth.org.

LifeNet Health Resources

funeral ceremony with casket
funeral ceremony with casket