The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth is now known as UNT Health Fort Worth, according to the institution, which states that this name change highlights the power of the UNT System and its commitment to developing solutions for a healthier community.
UNT Health Fort Worth stated that the modification emphasizes the organization’s deep connection to Fort Worth while demonstrating its ongoing dedication to training future health professionals, providing practical care via health clinics, and pushing forward top-tier health research that extends beyond Texas.
At UNT Health, we are celebrating our past and looking ahead to the future,” said Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, interim president of UNT Health. “This transformation reflects who we have always been and who we will remain—a reliable community ally, a center for research and education, and a location where upcoming and existing health professionals are trained to lead with intention.
UNT Health traces its origins to 1970, when it was established as the private Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. The institution transitioned into a state medical school in 1975 under the oversight of the North Texas State University Board of Regents. In 1999, the organization merged with UNT’s campuses in Denton and Dallas to create the UNT System.
UNT Health Fort Worth is situated within the Fort Worth Cultural District. With its six colleges, including the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, and College of Nursing, UNT Health prepares future healthcare professionals, public health workers, and scientists in an interprofessional environment.
A new name emerges following an NBC News investigation into unclaimed bodies
The rebranding occurred almost a year afteran NBC News investigationdiscovered that the center did not reach out to families prior to utilizing their deceased relatives’ bodies for medical studies.
For many years, UNTHSC had a partnership with Tarrant and Dallas counties to assume responsibility for unclaimed bodies or those of individuals whose families could not afford or refused to handle funeral or cremation expenses. The goal was to relieve the counties of these costs, resulting in annual savings of approximately one million dollars.
UNTHSC generated approximately $2.5 million by utilizing the remains of over 2,300 individuals who passed away in North Texas, leasing their body parts to external organizations such as medical firms, as revealed by financial documents examined by NBC News.
The NBC News report also found that, in numerous instances, relatives were not notified prior to classifying a body as unclaimed.
A letter acquired by NBC News, dated Friday, September 13, 2024, stated that UNTHSC had discontinued its Bio Skills Lab, which was part of its Willed Body Program responsible for handling unclaimed bodies. Later that month,A multi-year agreement between Tarrant County and UNTHSC has been terminated.regarding the center’s utilization of unclaimed deceased bodies.
In January, four months following the NBC News report,UNTHSC President Sylvia Trent-Adams has resigned.In a statement confirming her resignation, the University of North Texas System Board of Regents commended Trent-Adams for her “dedication, integrity, and respect,” without referencing NBC News’ coverage or providing an explanation for her exit. Trent-Adams and a spokesperson from the Health Science Center did not reply to requests for further comments.
