Talk Donation to save and heal lives
Donation begins with a conversation.
The Talk Donation campaign gives a voice to the diverse community of American Indians from Minnesota dedicated to expanding awareness and participation in organ donation. We envision a healthy, prosperous world in which our native communities are committed to giving the gift of life to others.
Collaborating with the community
The Talk Donation American Indian campaign is about connecting with communities to inform, educate, and empower people to make their own choice to become an organ donor. By working directly with community members, we are better able to understand their personal and cultural context.
Through research, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and human interaction this campaign was designed to inspire American Indian communities to use their voice and share their stories with one another. The campaign features members of the community and is rooted in the strong spiritual traditions of American Indian culture.
The powerful connection between culture and donation
It’s important to share with others why donation matters
144: Number of American Indians in the Upper Midwest waiting for an organ transplant
50%: American Indians are 50% more likely to experience kidney failure than white Americans
75+: Number of lives that can be saved and healed by one donor
Our Campaign Approach
Donation begins with a conversation
Talking about death and dying is tough. Understandably, many of us avoid the subject and may have a difficult time bringing it up with family and loved ones. The Talk Donation campaign was designed to elevate the voices of our communities and normalize the conversation around donation.
Sharing your wishes about what you want to happen at the end of your life is important – including your thoughts and decisions about organ donation. Having these discussions before circumstances force the issue is a gift to both you and your family. It makes a difficult time a little easier.
Your Culture. Your Heritage. Your Choice.
Donation is a deeply personal decision influenced by our family, friends, culture, experience and beliefs. We are dedicated to sharing the stories we’ve collected across a wide variety of communities to inspire others to talk about donation.
Turn Tragedy Into a Positive
What Do You Think About Donation?
The Most Beautiful Gift You Can Give
Life Is a Circle
I believe it’s time for our American Indian communities to have open dialogue about organ donation. It no longer needs to be a taboo. Organ donation is a way of helping people live.
Michael A Goze, Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
Thank you to our campaign partners
The Talk Donation campaign was developed in 2017 with funding provided by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health and in partnership with Hennepin County Medical Center. Transplant centers in Minnesota were involved as part of our Transplant Center Advisory Council.
This campaign laid the groundwork for implementing culturally responsible, sustainable activities to increase awareness and action within the American Indian communities in our service area.
Leading the way in saving lives
Our work includes partnering with tribes and advocates on organ donor registration. In November 2022, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa of Belcourt, North Dakota became the first tribe in the U.S. to offer organ donor registration through their tribal ID cards. The initiative was inspired by 1 year old tribal member Greyson, who needed a heart transplant. Greyson’s grandmother, Joan, championed the cause and was recently recognized for her advocacy.
In the first year, 1,200+ people registered as a donor on their tribal ID, increasing the area’s registrations by 200%. In early 2024, the MHA Nation affiliated tribes followed in their footsteps and added this important indicator, too. We are proud to partner with Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and MHA Nation on grassroots efforts, tribe by tribe, to save Native American lives.