Bakersfield, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 – The American Heart Association announced six Kern County women, each with personal connections to heart disease and stroke, as 2025 Kern County Go Red for Women ambassadors. This year’s ambassador class includes heart survivors Indi Castro, Janell Burton, Dr. Lisa Jones and Sky Newton, alongside women’s health advocates and medical experts Dr. Bani Singh and Bettina Kinsman.  

Throughout 2025, they will serve as the faces of Go Red for Women in the greater Bakersfield community, sharing their stories and insights to increase awareness and understanding of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are leading killers of women in the U.S. and California.

Despite the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Research has shown that the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through increased awareness and lifestyle changes. Go Red for Women was launched more than two decades ago with the intent of serving as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women, spreading awareness and championing the voices of women. 

Meet the 2025 Kern County Go Red for Women ambassadors:

Bani Singh, M.D., family medicine physician – As a female physician, Dr. Singh has a unique perspective into women’s health, including how women’s unique life stages - such as pregnancy and menopause – can impact their cardiovascular risk. Through her involvement with the Go Red for Women movement, she aims to highlight the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits, tending to mental health and knowing personal risk factors to help protect heart and brain health. 

Bettina Kinsman, BSN, RNC-NIC, neonatal intensive care unit manager – Bettina is eager to take part in the Go Red for Women movement to help increase awareness around maternal and newborn heart health. For expectant and postpartum mothers, she emphasizes the importance of managing blood pressure before it gets out of control. Additionally, she would like every new parent and caregiver to learn infant CPR, so they are prepared to act in case their baby experiences cardiac arrest.  

Indi Castro, congenital heart defect survivor – Indi was born 26 weeks prematurely after her mother was in a car accident and, at two weeks old, underwent heart surgery to close a faulty valve that regulated her circulation. Today, Indi’s heart works well, and she has been able to lead an active life, from being in high school color guard to preparing to launch her career as an educator. As a Go Red for Women ambassador, she wants fellow women to see that they can realize their dreams and create a full and interesting life despite difficult medical issues from the onset.

Janell Burton, Long QT syndrome survivor – When Janell experienced heartbeat skips and fluttering without an apparent cause, she was referred to a cardiologist who gave her an initial diagnosis. However, it wasn't until many years later that she finally learned the true cause of her heart condition: Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a genetic condition that can cause arrhythmia. To help manage her LQTS, Janell avoids sudden startling events, such as a phone ringing in the middle of the night or a school bell during the day, avoids intense exercise and takes care of her overall health and well-being. She implores other women to address health issues when they first surface and to make sure to care for their own health so they can care for those they love.

Lisa Jones, PhD, MSN, RN, cardiac sarcoidosis survivor – In 2004, Dr. Jones began having trouble breathing and coughing up pink, frothy sputum. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction (EF) of 19% as well as cardiomyopathy and eventually also sick sinus syndrome and atrial fibrillation (Afib). After three heart ablations for ventricular arrhythmias, a dual chamber pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) were installed in 2015. A few years later, Dr. Jones finally learned the underlying cause of her heart issues: a disease called cardiac sarcoidosis, which was likely caused by childhood contact with contaminated migrant black bird droppings. Although sarcoidosis cannot be cured, Dr. Jones has been able to pursue treatment to put it into remission. As a Go Red for Women ambassador, she hopes to serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping track of family medical history and advocating for yourself to get the right diagnosis and treatment. 

Sky Newton, SHRM-CP, heart survivor – While participating in a running event on an extremely hot day in 2008, Sky lost consciousness. She went into seizure, convulsing and foaming at the mouth, and was rushed to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with severe heat stroke and her medical team took action to prevent cardiac arrest, which heat stroke can trigger. After several days of medical care, Sky fully recovered and has not had problems since. At the time of her event, she was physically fit and didn’t have any pre-existing conditions. Reflecting on her experience, she wants women to remember that cardiac events can affect anyone and to never take good health for granted.

To help raise awareness and show support for women’s heart and brain health locally, the community is invited to wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Across Bakersfield, several organizations will host team gatherings in recognition of the day, including the Centre for Neuro Skills, which will also illuminate its building in red. 

The Go Red for Women movement will celebrate its impact locally at the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton in Bakersfield. The Kern County Go Red for Women movement is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally presented by Live Fierce, Life is Why sponsor Dignity Health. More information is at heart.org/KernCountyGoRed

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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 the American Heart Association in Kern County on heart.org/southern-california, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

For media inquiries: 

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org