\n The American Heart Association campaign equips participants with CPR education while raising funds to support research and local impact initiatives\n <\/p>\n
Bakersfield, Calif., September 26, 2026 \u2014 Today, more than 1,000 people gathered at California State University, Bakersfield for the American Heart Association\u2019s 2026 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk<\/a>. The event celebrated heart disease and stroke survivors, supported the lifesaving mission of the Association by raising $325,000 and counting for research, education and local impact initiatives. As part of the event, participants also learned Hands-Only CPR, helping build a community of lifesavers in Kern County ready to act in a cardiac arrest emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a heartbeat, you could be the difference,\u201d said Ken Keller, Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk chair. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for Kern County residents to know how to respond in a cardiac arrest emergency. We want to make sure that every home has someone who feels ready and confident to step in when every second counts.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the Association’s 2024 CPR Perceptions Survey, 39% of respondents report feeling “extremely confident” or “very confident” when asked about their ability to perform CPR \u2014 an increase from 33% in 2021, which equates to approximately 17.7 million more adults highly confident in their CPR skills. However, 61% of respondents still do not report high levels of confidence to act during a cardiac emergency, underscoring the critical need for continued CPR training and awareness.\u00a0<\/p>\n Highlights from the day included a festival area with photo opportunities, blood pressure screenings, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, a tribute wall where participants could remember those lost to heart disease and stroke and non-competitive 5K and half mile walking path.<\/p>\n This year’s top fundraising companies included Centre for Neuro Skills, Dignity Health Bakersfield and Smart and Final District 4. The top community team was Thrive Tribe.<\/p>\n The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is locally sponsored by Dignity Health. To learn Hands-Only CPR or to donate to the American Heart Association through the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk visit BakersfieldHeartWalk.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n # # #<\/p>\n About the American Heart Association\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Kern County, find the American Heart Association at heart.org\/SouthernCalifornia<\/a> or on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n For Media Inquiries: <\/p>\n Amber Moak,\u202famber.moak@heart.org<\/a><\/p>\n For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)<\/p>\n