BAKERSFIELD, Calif., January 25, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global force devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has named Jason Wells, MBA, CMPE, FACHE, president, Adventist Health, Central California Network, as inaugural chairperson for the Kern County Heart Ball. As chairperson, Wells will lead the American Heart Association’s Heart of Kern County initiative, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and improving lives in the community. The impact will be celebrated at the Kern County Heart Ball on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Vista del Lago Estate in Bakersfield.

The Heart of Kern County’s 2024 impact priority is expanding access to life-saving CPR education in Kern County’s elementary and middle schools, with a goal of reaching 100 schools. Funds raised through the Heart of Kern County will benefit the American Heart Association and support the placement of American Heart Association CPR in Schools Training Kits™. Just one kit can be used to train hundreds of students in Hands-Only CPR and be the difference between living and dying for a person experiencing cardiac arrest.

Every year in the U.S., more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital, and more than 20% occur in public places such as airports and sporting facilities. Survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. However, 70% of Americans report feeling helpless to act during a cardiac emergency, underscoring the importance of expanding access to CPR training across communities.

“I’m honored to serve as the first-ever Kern County Heart Ball chairperson,” said Wells. “As the father of three children, I feel personally invested in ensuring young people know important life skills like Hands-Only CPR. I started my career serving as a teacher and love the strategy to partner with our schools to bring this life saving training to more members of our family. With kids added to the community members trained and ready to perform CPR, we will save lives.”

Serving alongside Wells is a group of dedicated local business leaders, including:

  • Amanda Frank, director of community relations, Kern County Superintendent of Schools
  • Arlene Carrillo, marketing and promotions coordinator, Kern County Public Health Services Department
  • Erin Tenter, director of marketing and communications, Bolthouse Properties LLC
  • Jenny Lavers, operations executive, Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Adventist Health
  • Kiyoshi Tomono, wellbeing executive, Adventist Health
  • Kristin Weber, director public affairs and brand communication, Kaiser Permanente
  • Dr. Nirav Nitin Desai, cardiologist, Kaiser Permanente Southern California
  • Dr. Rasham Sandhu, cardiologist, California Cardiovascular Institute
  • Tricia Khwaja, chief operating officer, Central California Heart and Lung Surgery

"As the American Heart Association enters its hundredth year of scientific discovery and innovation, we're excited to collaborate with Adventist Health, an organization with its own long history of championing positive health outcomes across communities,” said Shannon MacAdam, region senior vice president, community and impact, American Heart Association. “We’re thrilled to have Jason as our chairperson, bringing with him deep expertise and a true passion for our mission. Together, I know we’re eager to advance health and hope in Kern County.”

The 2024 Kern County Heart Ball is presented by Adventist Health. For more information on how to support or attend the Kern County Heart Ball, contact Kern.County@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with the American Heart Association in Kern County on heart.org/southern-california, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For media inquiries:

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org