Bakersfield, Calif., January 16, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.[1] The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® invites members of the Kern County community to championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red on Fri., Feb. 6 and spreading awareness. 

Here are some ways to participate in National Wear Red Day:

  • Wear red and share: add a pop of red to your outfit for a fun and easy way to get involved. Share your red photos on social media using #WearRedDay and #KernCountyGoesRed.
  • Reserve your seat for the Go Red for Women Luncheon. Go Red for Women supporters are invited to join the American Heart Association at the Stockdale County Club for the annual event. Tickets and more information is available at heart.org/KernCountyGoRed.
  • Light your building in red: join buildings and local landmarks in changing exterior lighting to red to commemorate the Go Red for Women movement.
  • Go red at work: employee engagement ideas include encouraging staff members to wear red, hosting a desk-decorating challenge, using downloadable Wear Red Day virtual meeting backgrounds, planning a walking meeting or offering healthy red snacks in the breakroom to celebrate.
  • Go red at home: snap a family photo in red and share it to elevate awareness. Pets can participate, too!
  • Join Research Goes Red: help ensure more women are represented in scientific discovery. Learn more and join at GoRedforWomen.org/research.

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] To help illustrate the real-world impact of CVD and how it can happen at any age, five local volunteers are sharing their personal stories of heart disease and stroke as 2026 Go Red for Women Ambassadors in Kern County. The ambassador class includes Emily Duran, 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women volunteer chair and chief executive officer at Kern Family Health Care, who urges women to take action.

“I refuse to accept a future where a woman’s health is determined by her zip code, income, or whether she has the right information at the right time,” said Duran. “When women have the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve, they not only survive, but thrive. I encourage everyone to use National Wear Red Day as inspiration to take an action for their health like scheduling an annual wellness visit, preparing a heart healthy meal or learn Hands-Only CPR. Go Red for Women has information to support you in achieving your heath and wellness goals.”

Resources to support women’s heart and brain health at every age and stage of life is available at GoRedforWomen.org. Learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org and the 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon at heart.org/KernCountyGoRed. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Dignity Health.

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. 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