Kern County Go Red for Women® Luncheon raises more than $200,000 for women's heart health

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, held it’s 2020 Kern County Go Red for Women® Luncheon on Friday, March 6 to support the fight to end heart disease and stroke.

Approximately 500 residents attended the premier event designed to raise awareness about the leading cause of death in women: cardiovascular disease. The event raised more than $200,000 to support lifesaving cardiovascular research and education. The luncheon was held at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center and chaired by Michele Shain, Senior Director of Cardiac and Neuro Services at Memorial Hospital. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Kern County Luncheon is locally sponsored by Dignity Health Bakersfield.

“As Chair of this year’s event my goal was to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in our community. By supporting research and education we can improve more lives and give Kern County families more precious time together. I was honored to play a part in sharing inspiring stories of survival and empowering women to take charge of their heart health,” said 2020 Go Red for Women Chair Michele Shain.

The luncheon featured mother and daughter survivors Donna Stewart and Kimberly Torella who shared their inspiring stories of surviving two heart attacks and a stroke and caring for each other. Additionally, the event featured local health experts, a health and wellness expo and silent auction.

While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat. One in three women live with some form of cardiovascular disease and it’s on the rise in younger women. To prevent cardiovascular disease, women should understand family health history, know their numbers - the five key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease and stroke: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index - and make lifestyle changes like moving more, eating smart and managing their blood pressure. Risk factors within women’s control include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity/overweight and type 2 diabetes.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s launch of the Go Red for Women movement nationwide. Go Red for Women is rooted in raising awareness among women that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women around the world. Considerable progress has been made to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. Yet women, especially women of color, continue to be underrepresented in research. Globally, only about 43 percent of clinical trial participants are women, with the US faring slightly better at 49 percent. Of the female cardiovascular disease clinical trial participants globally, 78.7 percent are white with only 3.2 percent representing black or African American women.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on http://www.heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800- AHA-USA1.

About Go Red for Women

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent 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 16 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. Connect with us on http://www.GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278).