BAKERSFIELD, Calif., July 1, 2024 – The American Heart Association, observing 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced Brijesh Bhambi, M.D. and Sarabjeet Singh, M.D. as the community volunteer co-chairpersons of the 2024 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk. Bhambi and Singh are both interventional cardiologists at Centric Health in Bakersfield.
The annual Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk event and fundraising campaign leading up to it are dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, which remain among the top killers nationally and of Californians. This year the walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Bakersfield College.
“I’m honored to serve as co-chairperson alongside Dr. Singh to support heart and brain health, causes we believe in championing professionally and personally,” said Bhambi. “I believe the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is a particularly meaningful way of supporting the American Heart Association’s mission because it raises funds for critical scientific research, while also gathering the community to participate in a heart-healthy event. We are quite literally ‘walking the walk.’”
“This year’s campaign will have a focus on CPR, an important skill that can be the difference between living and dying for someone experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Singh. “In our roles as co-chairpersons, both Dr. Bhambi and I are eager to help Kern County become a community of lifesavers by equipping them with CPR skills. We’re proud to collaborate on this effort locally with the American Heart Association, the longtime leader of resuscitation science, education and training.”
Bhambi and Singh will be joined by fellow leaders seeking to make an impact in the fight against heart disease and stroke in their community. This year’s Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk executive leadership team includes:
- Atka Ohri, M.D., Veteran's Affairs
- Cyrus Mojibi, San Joaquin Refinery
- David Harrington, Centre for Neuro Skills
- Didra Cantu, MPA-HCM, Encompass Health
- George Jenkins III, Pharm D, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital
- Jasleen Duggal, M.D., Kern Endocrine Center
- Ken Keller, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital
- Kevin Burton, Klein DeNatale Goldner
- Lindsay Barnes, KGET-17
- Lisa Kreber, Ph.D., CBIS, Adventist Health
- Monica Pierce, Kern Medical Center
- Taylor Bourelle, PA-C, Centric Health
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Bhambi and Dr. Singh as our 2024 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk co-chairpersons,” said Shannon MacAdam, region senior vice president, development and community health, American Heart Association. “They each see the impact heart disease has on our community and truly understand the importance of heart and brain health research, education and quality of care programs that support patients. It is commendable to see them taking action to contribute to these important efforts.”
Local teams have already started to form and commence fundraising. Participants can register for the event at BakersfieldHeartWalk.com. From there, they can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage family and friends to join. Funds raised support the American Heart Association and go toward research, advocacy, CPR training and increasing access to quality health care.
The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is locally supported by Dignity Health and Centric Health.
###
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