A Gift for the Future of our Military Community
Service members and veterans with or without a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can participate in the Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Brain Tissue Repository (DoD/USU BTR) program.
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Brain donation supports vital research to understand and treat brain injury.The SPARC program supports critical neuroscience research taking place through brain donation to the DoD/USU BTR.The mission of the DoD/USU BTR is to better understand the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and promote overall brain health of the warfighter.
400,000+Service Membershave been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) since 2000.
Brain Injurycan impact quality of lifeImproving brain health is central to the mission of the research supported by SPARC and brain donation.
Researchis importantso we can work toward preventing, diagnosing, and treating this invisible wound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the body?
An incision is made in the back of the head. After the brain tissue has been removed, the incision is closed. There is no damage to the face and the family can plan an open casket if desired.
Will there be a delay for the funeral?
No. Brain tissue donation will not delay, limit, or complicate the family’s plans for a funeral.
Are there any costs associated with the donation?
No, our program will cover the cost(s) of donation for your loved one.
Will my religion permit this?
Most religions support brain tissue donation in the hopes that it will improve the lives of others. If you are concerned about this, we encourage you to discuss it with your spiritual leader.
Who will have access to the information about the brain, medical and service records, and postmortem examination?
At the time the brain is received, it is given a unique number. When researchers receive the brain tissue for study, only the unique code number identifies it. Family names or other specific identifying information are not included. And only designated, qualified staff have permission to access medical and service records or the autopsy report.
What if, after giving permission, I no longer want the brain specimen retained in the BTR and used for research?
The legally authorized representative is free to withdraw consent at any time. To withdraw the donation, call our office at 855-366-8824. You will be asked to complete a form requesting to remove the donation from the repository.
Who is conducting research?
BTR works with world-class experts in brain imaging and medical treatment development to study the differences between brains that have not been affected by traumatic brain injury and brains that have been affected.
What happens to the body?
An incision is made in the back of the head. After the brain tissue has been removed, the incision is closed. There is no damage to the face and the family can plan an open casket if desired.
Will there be a delay for the funeral?
No. Brain tissue donation will not delay, limit, or complicate the family’s plans for a funeral.
Are there any costs associated with the donation?
No, our program will cover the cost(s) of donation for your loved one.
Will my religion permit this?
Most religions support brain tissue donation in the hopes that it will improve the lives of others. If you are concerned about this, we encourage you to discuss it with your spiritual leader.
Who will have access to the information about the brain, medical and service records, and postmortem examination?
At the time the brain is received, it is given a unique number. When researchers receive the brain tissue for study, only the unique code number identifies it. Family names or other specific identifying information are not included. And only designated, qualified staff have permission to access medical and service records or the autopsy report.
What if, after giving permission, I no longer want the brain specimen retained in the BTR and used for research?
The legally authorized representative is free to withdraw consent at any time. To withdraw the donation, call our office at 855-366-8824. You will be asked to complete a form requesting to remove the donation from the repository.
Who is conducting research?
BTR works with world-class experts in brain imaging and medical treatment development to study the differences between brains that have not been affected by traumatic brain injury and brains that have been affected.
