BAKERSFIELD, Calif., May 15, 2024 - The inaugural Kern County Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, May 18 at the elegant Vista Del Lago Estate just south of Bakersfield. The event will raise funds to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work, including placement of American Heart Association CPR in Schools Training Kits™ in local schools. 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. 

“As the father of three children, I feel personally invested in ensuring young people know important life skills like Hands-Only CPR,” said Jason Wells, MBA, CMPE, FACHE, president, Adventist Health, Central California Network, and 2024 Kern County Heart Ball chairperson. “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.” 

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. 

"As the American Heart Association enters its hundredth year of scientific discovery and innovation, we're excited to launch the first-ever Heart Ball in Kern County,” said Shannon MacAdam, region senior vice president, community and impact, American Heart Association. “This is a great moment to recognize the work that’s already happening across Kern County to foster heart and brain health. It’s also a moment for us to unite as a community and champion even more equitable outcomes through efforts like expanding access to CPR training.”   

In addition to supporting the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work, the Kern County Heart Ball will feature dinner, a live auction, music and dancing. More event information is available at heart.org/KernCountyHeartBall. The 2024 Kern County Heart Ball is presented by Adventist Health. 

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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