Kern County leaders join together to champion heart and brain health for all
Bakersfield, Calif. , July 13, 2026 — The American Heart Association – Kern County, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is proud to announce the 2026-2027 Board of Directors who will lead the Association’s local. . .
The American Heart Association – Kern County announces the 2026-2027 Board of Directors led by David Harrington as chairBakersfield, Calif. , July 13, 2026 — The American Heart Association – Kern County, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is proud to announce the 2026-2027 Board of Directors who will lead the Association’s local efforts through their fiscal year. David Harrington, president and chief executive officer of Centre for Neuro Skills will serve as the chair. Joining the board this year is Scott Thygerson, chief executive officer at Kern Medical Center. Each board member brings diverse expertise in healthcare, research and strategic development to support the Association’s vision of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Continuing their board service are:Amir Meshreky, Pharm. D. , MHM, BCPS, BCGP, chief executive officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of BakersfieldBrian Kiser, owner at H. Walker’s ClothingJared Salvo, D. O. , cardiologist at Kern Cardiac InstituteJennifer Kind, executive territory manager at Johnson & Johnson Med-techSimon Ratliff, president and chief executive officer at Dignity Health Mercy HospitalsStacy Pfluger, Ed. D. , president at Bakersfield CollegeSteve Matejka, executive vice president/chief operating officer at Valley Strong Credit Union“Heart disease and stroke can have devastating consequences on the lives of survivors and their families. I see the impact of stroke in my daily work,” said Harrington. “Our work to improve heart and brain health in our communities, gives more people the chance to live full, independent and healthy lives. ”The American Heart Association’s priorities in Kern County include:Supporting patients managing high blood pressure. One in three people in Kern County have high blood pressure or hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Association works with clinics in under-resourced communities to increase access to care and improve hypertension control by training health care staff, promoting system changes and engaging patients in blood pressure self-monitoring. The Association’s local goal is to reduce hypertension rates by five percent by 2028. Addressing nutrition security. Despite being one of the leading agricultural regions in the world, over 150,000 residents in Kern County are food insecure. The Association advocates for policies that increase access to healthy food, collaborates with local organizations to establish nutrition security screening and referrals for high need individuals and provides nutrition education to promote health. Building a Nation of Lifesavers. Nine out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside a hospital die. The Association aims to educate at least one person in every household inHands-Only CPRand encourage as many people to get trained as possible. In Kern County, the Association is tackling this goal by education students on Hands-Only CPR and donating CPR in Schools® with First Aid Training Kits to schools, hosting community Hands-Only CPR events and raising awareness of the lifesaving skill of CPR. ###About the American Heart AssociationThe 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 onheart. org,Facebook,Xor by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Southern California, find the American Heart Association atheart. org/SouthernCaliforniaor onFacebook,XandInstagram. For Media Inquiries:Amber Moak: amber. moak@heart. orgFor Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)heart. organdstroke. org