‘Red Means Go’ for Kern County women’s heart and brain health

Bakersfield, Calif., Mon. Feb. 9, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is changing women’s health through the Go Red for Women® movement. 

The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but your heart health and brain can’t wait. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go!

The Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon empowered 350 guests to learn about women’s heart and brain health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart and brain health and raised almost $400,000 to continue better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women. 

During the Luncheon program, Bakersfield resident Faith Earnest and her parents, Kevin and Marisol, shared their family’s personal experience with heart disease. Earnest was born with multiple congenital heart defects and faced an unknown future, yet has defied all initial expectations. The Earnest family credited their faith and scientific advancements in enabling Earnest to reach adulthood. They called upon Go Red for Women supporters to continue to fund research so the same bright future is available to other children born with cardiovascular disease. 

Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[2] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk.[3] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.[4] 

“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, and events like this one are essential to raising awareness and providing information so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Emily Duran, Kern County Go Red for Women Chair and chief executive officer at Kern Family Health Care. “When women have the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve, they not only survive, but thrive.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Kern County Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by Dignity Health. For more information or to make a donation visit 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 us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Kern County, find the American Heart Association on heart.org/SouthernCalifornia, Facebook, Instagram or X.

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:

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org