The appointment of Lindsay Ashley, chief financial officer of Centre for Neuro Skills, as chair of the American Heart Association's 2025 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk underscores the growing intersection between corporate leadership and community health initiatives. The annual event, scheduled for Saturday, October 11 at California State University, Bakersfield, serves as a platform for celebrating survivors while raising critical funds for cardiovascular research and prevention programs. Ashley will lead a team of Kern County executives in recruiting organizations to participate, fostering action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, and community transformation.
A diverse leadership team representing local businesses and media will collaborate to support the American Heart Association's goals, with professionals from healthcare, legal services, media, and financial institutions participating. Notable team members include David Harrington from Centre for Neuro Skills, Didra Cantu from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, and representatives from Dignity Health, KGET-TV, and Valley Strong Credit Union. According to Kelley Berry, executive director of the American Heart Association in Kern County, the walk represents a critical opportunity for community unity in combating heart disease and stroke, providing participants access to resources and tools supporting mental and physical well-being.
Funds raised through the walk will support the American Heart Association's comprehensive efforts, including advancing lifesaving research, expanding CPR training, and connecting patients to innovative treatments through initiatives like heart.org. The organization emphasizes that heart disease and stroke are largely preventable, with lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management playing crucial roles in overall health. This focus on prevention aligns with broader public health strategies addressing cardiovascular diseases, which remain leading causes of mortality nationwide.
Centre for Neuro Skills demonstrates its commitment to community health through participation in Heart Walk events across California and Texas, with the organization's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Matt Ashley, further supporting this mission through his leadership role on the Central Texas American Heart Association's Board of Directors. The executive involvement from multiple sectors reflects a recognition that addressing cardiovascular health requires coordinated efforts beyond traditional healthcare settings, incorporating workplace wellness, community programming, and cross-sector partnerships. The Kern County event exemplifies how local initiatives can contribute to national health objectives while addressing region-specific needs and resources.
