Tuesday, November 30, 2021
San Juan Regional Medical Center Receives Powerful Painting Promoting Native American Organ Donation
San Juan Regional Medical Center is honored to be the recipient of a painting created by internationally acclaimed Santa Fe artist Nocona Burgess of the Comanche Nation. The painting, titled “Giver/Receiver,” was commissioned for and then donated by New Mexico Donor Services to help educate people, especially Native Americans, about the importance of organ donation.
A disproportionate number of people on the organ transplant list are Native Americans, but cultural beliefs have held many Native Americans back from organ donation. Since a successful organ donation is based on having a good match, more Native American donors are needed to provide life-saving transplants. Burgess’ hope is that this striking painting, which depicts a Native American holding a heart in its hands, will help start the conversation and lead to better education.
“I wanted the image to look as if it’s giving or receiving a heart with the sunrise in the background giving hope for new life,” said Burgess, who is also a bone marrow donor.
The painting can be interpreted as either giving a heart or receiving one, continuing life for themselves or someone else.
“In Native American culture, we believe life comes full circle, and there’s nothing more circular than this. We can give someone the chance to live,” Burgess said.
“We are blessed to receive this incredible painting. It tells a story and is impactful. We know it will be a deeply moving catalyst to educate our community about the incredibly profound impact organ donation has,” said Jeff Bourgeois, SJRMC President and CEO.
Currently in New Mexico, more than 130 Native Americans are on the transplant list waiting for a life-saving organ. Across the nation, more than 106,000 people are waiting for life-saving transplants. Every 10 minutes another person is added to the transplant waiting list.
San Juan Regional Medical Center is committed to saving lives by promoting organ donation. We proudly partner with the New Mexico Hospital Association and New Mexico Donor Services to educate staff, patients, visitors, and community members about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. To find out more about becoming an organ donor, visit www.registerme.org.