The purpose of this research is to pilot-test a cultural intervention to increase organ, eye, and tissue donation on South Dakota American Indian Reservations. The research questions are two-fold: Project Component 1. Intervention Design/Evaluation. How do five cultural health experts evaluate the intervention materials? What is the satisfaction with the intervention materials among 20 SD Indians? Component 2. Pilot-testing. For reservation dwelling American Indians living on four SD reservations, does the intervention: (a) increase motivational readiness to be an organ donor? (b) increase intent to donate with verifiable family notification?

             The community-based educational intervention is derived from the cultural context of the people, Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change. Print materials, video and social marketing messages are disseminated throughout reservation-based organizations, employment agencies, and other groups. The intervention is delivered by Arliss Kecker, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The outcome measures are as follows: (a) The intervention evaluation uses “Educational Materials Review Form” and a simple tool for community members. (b) Outcomes of the pilot test are stage of readiness to serve as an organ or tissue donor, Donor intent with family notification assessed through donor cards completed, follow-up verification of family notification, and SD driver license designation as an organ donor. Change in stage of readiness for organ/tissue donation from pre- to post-intervention at community sessions analyzed using McNemar’s test. Donor intent and family notification assessed by frequency of donor cards completed and phone calls. Percent change in organ donor driver license designation in target reservations calculated.

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