\n Community leader to serve as chairperson of the American Heart Association\u2019s annual initiative to improve women’s heart and brain health\n <\/p>\n
Bakersfield, Calif., September 4, 2025 \u2013 The American Heart Association, the world\u2019s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Emily Duran, chief executive officer at Kern Family Health Care, as the community volunteer chairperson of the 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative designed to increase women\u2019s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally.<\/p>\n
Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women[1]<\/a>, claiming more lives than all cancers combined.[2]<\/a> According to the American Heart Association, women\u2019s unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect their cardiovascular risk. The good news is that the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education.<\/p>\n \u201cI refuse to accept a future where a woman\u2019s health is determined by her zip code, income, or whether she has the right information at the right time,\u201d said Duran. “When women have the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve, they not only survive, but thrive. When women thrive, entire families and communities rise with them. I\u2019m committed to breaking these barriers with the American Heart Association through the Go Red Movement alongside our local leaders to take us one step closer to every woman having a fair chance at a long and healthy life.”<\/p>\n Duran brings more than 25 years of leadership in community-based health and social services. Her career reflects a passion for expanding care, grassroots education and advocacy for underserved populations. Serving alongside Duran is the 2025 Kern County Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, which includes:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to have Emily Duran serving as our local Go Red chairperson,\u201d said Kelley Berry, executive director, American Heart Association, Kern County. \u201cHer deep understanding of both the health care landscape and our local community makes her an incredible leader in advancing the Go Red movement. Together, we\u2019re committed to making a lasting impact on women\u2019s heart and brain health across Kern County.\u201d<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, during the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon at Stockdale Country Club. The Kern County Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and with local support from presenting sponsor Dignity Health and local sponsor Kern Family Health Care. For more information about the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon and movement visit heart.org\/KernCountyGoRed<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional resources:<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n About Go Red for Women\u00ae<\/p>\n The American Heart Association\u2019s signature initiative, Go Red for Women\u00ae, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women\u2019s 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 19 years, 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\u00a0goredforwomen.org<\/a>\u00a0or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About the American Heart Association<\/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 the American Heart Association in Kern County at heart.org\/southern-california<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, X<\/a> or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.<\/p>\n For media inquiries: <\/p>\n Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n For Public Inquiries: <\/p>\n 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)<\/p>\n
\n\tAngela Barton, Barton Marketing Group
\n\tMichele Shain, Dignity Health\u00a0
\n\tKristi Windtberg, LVL Fitness
\n\tCornelio Gutierrez Lozano, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
\n\tLauren Skidmore, The Open Door Network
\n\tJasleen Duggal, Centric Health
\n\tDeanna Blaise, Valley Strong Credit Union \u00a0
\n\tNaTesha Johnson, Bakersfield College
\n\tGabriela Gonzales, California Resources Corporation
\n\tRobin Mangarin Scott, Dignity Health
\n\tTerri Agcaoili, California Cardiovascular Institute \u00a0
\n\tJen Kind, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
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