Bakersfield, Calif., July 29, 2025 — hospitals in California are among the 4,800 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke. 

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death of people living in the United States, respectively. These health crises require swift and proven treatment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, sets the standards for high-quality, science-based care and access that all patients deserve.

“Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack,” said Jared Salvo, DO, member, American Heart Association, Kern County board of directors and cardiologist, Kern Cardiac Institute. “High-quality care should be accessible to all, and sites awarded through the Get With The Guidelines program help work toward our shared vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Congratulations to these teams for their hard work and commitment to improving patient care in Kern County.”

Each year, the American Heart Association recognizes hospitals across the country for consistently following up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care. In Kern County, four hospitals were recognized with awards in categories ranging from stroke to coronary artery disease, among others this year. Here is the list of Kern County hospitals receiving recognition in one or more categories:

  • Adventist Health, Bakersfield
  • Dignity Health Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Bakersfield
  • Dignity Health Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield, Bakersfield
  • Kern County Hospital Authority, Bakersfield

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s quality improvement programs visit heart.org/getwiththeguidelines. To see the complete list of hospitals and their awards, view the U.S. News & World Report article.

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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 the Kern County, visit heart.org/SouthernCalifornia, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.  

 

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org