University of Pittsburgh: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
The ADRC offers a Brain Donation program for individuals who have been a participant of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
To learn more about the gift of brain donation, please see the ARDC site page.
University of Pittsburgh: National Sports Brain Bank
The National Sports Brain Bank (NSBB) is a long-term observational study and brain donation registry for former contact sport participants.
CLICK HERE to register! After you submit your contact information, you will be given a link to schedule a phone call with a study coordinator who will verify your eligibilty, answer any and all questions and concerns, and enroll you in the study.
Background information:
Athletes who participate in contact sports such as football, soccer, boxing, wrestling, ice hockey and many others may have experienced one or more concussions or mild traumatic brain injury events during their career. This exposure is associated with an increased risk of cognitive and psychiatric syndromes later in life and the development of a neurodegenerative disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Due to the high profile of many afflicted players and broad media coverage, public awareness of this disease has increased significantly over the past years. However, there remains a large degree of uncertainty amongst players and their families who try to weigh the benefits of participation in contact sports against the potential health concerns. Much of this uncertainty relates to the fact that our understanding of this disease is still very limited. Currently, a definitive diagnosis of CTE can only be made by postmortem examination through a brain autopsy.
Jennifer Hammers Pathology Partners with Michigan Medicine’s My Heart Your Heart (MHYH) Program
Jennifer Hammers Pathology is proud to announce our new role as a collaborating site for the My Heart Your Heart (MHYH) program, a national research and humanitarian initiative led by University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, part of Michigan Medicine. This program is dedicated to improving global access to life-saving cardiac devices, expanding scientific understanding of device performance, and promoting sustainable medical practices.
About the MHYH Program
The MHYH initiative focuses on the collection and evaluation of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, including pacemakers, ICDs, and similar cardiac devices, following the death of a patient. These devices are carefully studied to assess function, battery life, safety metrics, and real-world performance. The data gathered helps advance cardiac research, guide device development, and improve patient care.
In addition to its research mission, MHYH aims to:
Improve global access to pacemakers and ICDs by providing refurbished devices for humanitarian distribution (in regions where this practice is permitted).
Support scientific research focused on device reliability, performance, and long-term behavior.
Reduce medical waste through responsible recovery and reuse efforts.
Where the Devices Are Sent
After removal during autopsy, devices are securely held at our facility for a six-month retention period to comply with legal and family-centered requirements. After this interval, eligible devices are shipped directly to the MHYH research team at Michigan Medicine.
Once received, the MHYH laboratory team:
Evaluates and analyzes device function using specialized interrogation equipment.
Collects research data that supports ongoing improvements in cardiac device technology.
Determines whether a device can be refurbished for humanitarian distribution in medically underserved areas (only when legally and ethically appropriate).
Safely recycles or disposes of non-usable devices to minimize medical waste.
Our Role as a Collaborating Site
As a participating partner, Jennifer Hammers Pathology will facilitate the secure recovery and transfer of cardiovascular devices removed during autopsy. We remain committed to transparent and compassionate practice:
Families who wish to have their loved one’s device returned will always have that option, and JHP will facilitate that request.
County Coroners and Medical Examiners maintain full autonomy—if any jurisdiction prefers not to participate, we will not forward devices on their behalf.
Participating counties are welcome to publicly highlight this collaboration to showcase their contribution to advancing cardiac care and global health research.
A Commitment to Research, Compassion, and Community Partnership
This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing high-quality forensic services while contributing to meaningful medical advancement. We are honored to support research efforts that help improve cardiac care for patients worldwide and to work alongside coroners, medical examiners, and Michigan Medicine in this important initiative.
For additional information about the MHYH program, please visit their website: MHYH
