Have a Heart Campaign

The New Mexico Department of Health, working with a variety of tribal and pueblo partners, saw an opportunity to address overlapping risk factors among tribal communities. A partnership was formed that brought together numerous partners, talent, and resources to develop an education campaign for tribal communities. The campaign capitalizes on the existing understanding of diabetes in Native American communities by integrating diabetes messages with less recognized messages about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. The “Have a Heart” campaign is directed at friends and families of Native Americans living with diabetes. The campaign educates people on the dangers of secondhand smoke for people living with diabetes and asks friends and family to support and respect people living with diabetes by doing their part to keep the air clear of secondhand cigarette smoke. The campaign features heart-shaped pins to keep the air clear of secondhand cigarette smoke. The campaign features heart-shaped pins that are attached to cards which feature artwork by various Native artists from the communities where the cards are being distributed. The “Have a Heart” campaign will continue to expand into more Native American communities and will be tailored to each tribe or pueblo’s unique culture.