Bakersfield, Calif., May 3, 2026— Kern County residents gathered last night to raise funds to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Kern County Heart Ball attendees included community leaders, volunteers and survivors and showcased how research discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge can make an impact and change health outcomes for Bakersfield and beyond. The event also highlighted the need for the community to be ready to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies through CPR education and automated external defibrillator (AED) access. Donations raised through the Heart Ball will help support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere.

“It was truly inspiring to see so many people come together in Kern County to champion heart and brain health,” said Steve Matejka, chair, American Heart Association - Kern County Board of Directors. “Since the Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. But the fight is far from over. With more than 6 in 10 Americans projected to develop some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, supporting the Association’s lifesaving work has never been more critical.”

During the event, cardiac arrest survivor Matt Clark shared his perspective on why community readiness and CPR education is critically important. At the age of 40, Matt's life suddenly changed after he went into cardiac arrest while flying a plane. The heroic efforts of his co-pilot quickly beginning CPR and using an AED saved his life.

According to the American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. 1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. [2]

This year’s Kern County Heart Ball was locally presented by Adventist Health. To make a donation to support the American Heart Association’s work in Kern County and beyond visit heart.org/KernCountyHeartBall.

Additional resources:

  • Multimedia is available on the right side of this release

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Kern County, you can find the American Heart Association at heart.org/SouthernCalifornia or on Facebook, X and Instagram.

 

For Media Inquiries:

Amber Moak: amber.moak@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1] Association of Bystander and First‐Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina HeartRescue Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative | Journal of the American Heart Association

[2] Demographics and Trends of Sudden Cardiac Death‐Related Mortality in the United States, 1999 to 2022 | Journal of the American Heart Association