BAKERSFIELD, Calif. Oct. 21, 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, will hold the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Bakersfield College. The annual event and fundraising campaign leading up to it are dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, which remain among the top killers in the U.S. and in California.
Funds raised through the event benefit the American Heart Association and support scientific research and programs that drive public health policy, set guidelines for medical care and educate the community. Locally in Kern County, the Association has helped expand access to lifesaving CPR skills, raised awareness of women’s health issues, ensured local heart and stroke patients are connected to the latest science-based treatments via its hospital programs, and supported community members managing high blood pressure with tools and resources for better blood pressure control.
“I believe the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is a particularly meaningful way of supporting the American Heart Association’s mission,” said Brijesh Bhambi, M.D., the event's volunteer co-chairperson and an interventional cardiologist at Centric Health. “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.’”
The Association is also focused on raising awareness of Hands-Only CPR, with the goal of teaching at least one person in every household this lifesaving skill. 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, but most Americans report feeling helpless to act during a cardiac emergency.
“CPR saved my life,” said David Dollar, who will be participating in the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk this year. “Thanks to the immediate response of my colleagues when I unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest at work, I’m here today. I encourage all workplaces to make sure their workers understand CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator or AED. You hope you’ll never need them, but being prepared is essential if you do.”
“CPR is an important skill that can be the difference between living and dying for someone experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Sarabjeet Singh, M.D., volunteer co-chairperson and an interventional cardiologist at Centric Health. “I'm eager to help Kern County become a community of lifesavers by equipping them with CPR skills, drawing from the American Heart Association’s leading resuscitation science.”
The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is locally supported by Dignity Health and Centric Health.
Event information:
Registration and event information is available at BakersfieldHeartWalk.com.
The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26, starting and finishing at Bakersfield College (1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA) - a new location from previous years.
Festivities kick off at 8:00 a.m.
1.35-mile walk, with a 0.5-mile survivor route option, begin at 9:00 a.m.
Additional resources:
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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