MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College students will soon have access to an advanced learning experience rarely available, after the College secured nearly $100,000 to establish Anatomical Donor Labs on two campuses.
The funding, provided through a grant from Arizona Complete Health, will support the creation of two Anatomical Donor Lab stations that will allow students to study human anatomy in a respectful, supervised educational environment. The labs will provide hands-on anatomy education using donor bodies, individuals who have made the extraordinary decision to donate their bodies to science and health care education.
“This is a major step forward for health care education in Mohave County,” said Dr. Tim Culver, interim president at Mohave College. “Our students deserve access to high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities close to home. These labs will help them better understand the human body, build clinical confidence and prepare for careers serving patients throughout our region.”
Anatomical donor-based education provides students with a level of understanding that cannot be fully replicated through textbooks, models or digital simulations. By studying real anatomical structures, students gain a deeper understanding of body systems, tissue relationships and natural human variation while developing knowledge that translates directly into clinical settings.
The labs are expected to benefit students in health care, biology, anatomy and related programs while strengthening the College’s ability to prepare graduates for careers in high-demand fields throughout the region.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that can change a student’s future,” said Dr. Rebecca Lidstrom, Mohave College life sciences faculty member who developed the successful grant proposal alongside of Eric Osborn, Life Science faculty in Bullhead City. “Instead of asking students to leave the region to access advanced learning resources, the College is bringing those opportunities here. These labs will give local students access to a level of hands-on anatomy education that is usually found at larger institutions.”
Mohave plans to work with the University of Arizona Willed Body Program to ensure ethical acquisition, legal compliance and respect for donor wishes. Students participating in the labs will complete orientation and follow strict safety and operational protocols.
“Strong communities depend on a strong health care workforce,” said James Stover, Chief Executive Officer of Arizona Complete Health. “By partnering with Mohave College, we are expanding access to educational opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers in health care. Together, we are investing in local talent and helping ensure individuals and families across northwestern Arizona can access the quality care they need close to home.”
College leaders say the project is about more than equipment. It is about creating opportunities for students, honoring donors and strengthening the future health care workforce of northwestern Arizona.
“Every part of this program will be built around respect, safety and student learning,” Osborn said. “The individuals who donate their bodies to science make an extraordinary gift. That gift will help Mohave College students become more knowledgeable, compassionate and prepared health care professionals.”
The labs are currently being designed and will be constructed over the next several months at the Neal Campus-Kingman and Bullhead City Campus. Those campuses were chosen because they have space available for the new labs, which will be ready for use once equipment is installed, faculty training is complete and final operational requirements are met. If funding and space become available, the college would also consider building a lab at the Havasu campus.
For those interested in becoming a student at the college, visit www.Mohave.edu and/or get started now by filling out a new student profile at www.FutureBighorn.com.
