Deanna Blaise to chair the American Heart Association’s 2027 Kern County Go Red for Women movement

Bakersfield, Calif., November 2, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1]. In Kern County and across the United States, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart and brain health through the Go Red for Women movement.

Leading that effort locally is Deanna Blaise, senior vice president at Valley Strong Credit Union, who is the Kern County chair and will work alongside a team of volunteer executive leaders in empowering women to take charge of their cardiovascular health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead longer, healthier lives.

The Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team includes:  


Terri Agcaoili, California Cardiovascular Institute
Angela Barton, Barton Marketing
Valery Diaz, Dignity Health
Emily Duran, Kern Family Health Care
Cornelio Gutierrez Lozano, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Beth Hoffmann, Hoffmann Hospice
NaTesha Johnson, Bakersfield College
Dr. Olga Meave, Clinica Sierra Vista
Justin Thompson, Centre for Neuro Skills
Kristi Windtberg, LVL Fitness

Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.

“My family’s history of heart disease makes this cause deeply personal to me. As women, we often put the needs of everyone else ahead of our own, and our health can end up at the bottom of the list,” said Blaise. “Go Red for Women is a powerful reminder that prioritizing our health is not selfish. It’s essential. When women are healthy and thriving, we are better able to care for our families, to lead and make an impact in our communities.”

Companies, community leaders and survivors are invited to join Go Red for Women in wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 5, 2027 to raise awareness of women’s heart and brain health and inspire action. Supporters are invited to celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements and donate lifesaving funds to accelerate the movement on February 19, 2027 at the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon at Stockdale Country Club.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Dignity Health. For more information about Go Red for Women visit GoRedforWomen.org. To reserve your seat for the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon, 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 at heart.org/SouthernCalifornia or on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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:

Amber Moak, amber.moak@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org