BCHHS Wellness Events Calendar
The Bitonte College of Health and Human Services (BCHHS) at Youngstown State University is dedicated to promoting health and wellness throughout our region by offering educational programs, outreach initiatives, and community partnerships. As part of our mission to support public health and multi-generational well-being, BCHHS hosts a variety of events year-round — including health screenings, wellness talks, resource fairs, and cooking demonstrations.
Many of these events are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise. We warmly invite individuals and families of all ages to participate, learn, and engage with us in building a healthier community together.
September 2025
Weekly Fall Prevention Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person fall prevention exercise class led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT. The program includes strengthening and balance exercises as well as education on fall recovery techniques to reduce the risk of falls.
Registration: Contact Shannon Dudash at 330-941-2407 or sstarr@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Walk With A Doc
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Park Mall – 7401 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512 (Meet at the main concourse area – by Macy’s)
Description: Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance.
The Youngstown State University Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is excited to partner with the Southern Park Mall to offer this walk to the community. We will also offer health screenings to include blood pressure monitoring, balance screens, and grip strength testing. Being aware of your personal numbers and walking will lead you on a path of good health! Walkers will meet students from a variety of healthcare majors, and have a chance to walk and talk with them.
Moving Active Transportation Forward Workshop
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504
Hosted By: YSU Guin Fit • Healthy Community Partnership (HCP) Mahoning Valley • League of American Bicyclists
Description: Join regional leaders, community advocates, and residents for a dynamic workshop focused on advancing biking, walking, and active transportation in the Mahoning Valley. This event will explore how active transportation can promote health, improve safety, and strengthen connections between communities.
Through shared success stories, proven policy and design strategies, and cross-sector collaboration, participants will gain actionable ideas to improve mobility, equity, and access in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties.
Workshop Objectives include:
Promote Health & Equity – Understand the role of active transportation in preventing chronic disease and enhancing community well-being.
Share Best Practices – Learn from successful policies, design approaches, and funding opportunities.
Foster Collaboration – Build partnerships across public health, planning, and transportation sectors.
Drive Local Change – Commit to improving bikeability, walkability, and safety for all residents.
Whether you’re a policymaker, planner, advocate, or resident, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and connections to help create healthier, more connected communities.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register Here.
YSU Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Penguin Pop-Up Wellness Clinic and Wellness Talk
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave, Girard, OH 44420
Speaker: Amy Weaver, PhD, RN, CNE — Professor and Patricia McGovern Sweeney Professor in Nursing
Description: A dynamic discussion of wellness and the importance of screening and monitoring chronic diseases. Dr. Weaver will give a short talk. She will then offer screenings for Blood Pressure, Falls Risk, and Dementia. This is part of her Community Health course and will involve Youngstown State University nursing students. Healthy refreshments will be provided.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP is encouraged but not required. RSVP here.
Sponsors: Creative Retirement Fund, JADCO, Ohio Living
October 2025
Weekly Fall Prevention Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person fall prevention exercise class led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT. The program includes strengthening and balance exercises as well as education on fall recovery techniques to reduce the risk of falls.
Registration: Contact Shannon Dudash at 330-941-2407 or sstarr@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Walk With A Doc
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Park Mall – 7401 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512 (Meet at the main concourse area – by Macy’s)
Description: Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance.
The Youngstown State University Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is excited to partner with the Southern Park Mall to offer this walk to the community. We will also offer health screenings to include blood pressure monitoring, balance screens, and grip strength testing. Being aware of your personal numbers and walking will lead you on a path of good health! Walkers will meet students from a variety of healthcare majors, and have a chance to walk and talk with them.
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Alzheimer’s Disease Town Hall: Early Detection & Screening
Date: Wednesday, October 8 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Canfield United Methodist Church
27 S. Broad Street Canfield, OH 44406
Guest Speakers:
- Mary Eartl, Education Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater East Ohio Chapter
- Dr. Daniel Van Dussen, Program Director, YSU Masters of Health and Human Services
Description: You're invited to a community town hall focused on the importance of early detection and screening for Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn about:
- A newly FDA-approved early detection tool
- Current pharmaceutical options for early-stage Alzheimer’s
- The latest research and challenges in today’s funding landscape
- The pros and cons of early diagnosis
- How screenings work—and whether they’re right for you
- Costs, insurance, and financial resources
- What it means if you're at higher risk
Bring your questions. This is your opportunity to hear from experts, explore your options, and better understand the journey from screening to care.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP is encouraged but not required. RSVP here.
2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Mahoning Valley, OH
Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Location: Watson and Tressel Training Site at YSU, 651 Elm St. Youngstown, OH 44555
Description: Support our team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
November 2025
Weekly Fall Prevention Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person fall prevention exercise class led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT. The program includes strengthening and balance exercises as well as education on fall recovery techniques to reduce the risk of falls.
Registration: Contact Shannon Dudash at 330-941-2407 or sstarr@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Walk With A Doc
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Park Mall – 7401 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512 (Meet at the main concourse area – by Macy’s)
Description: Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance.
The Youngstown State University Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is excited to partner with the Southern Park Mall to offer this walk to the community. We will also offer health screenings to include blood pressure monitoring, balance screens, and grip strength testing. Being aware of your personal numbers and walking will lead you on a path of good health! Walkers will meet students from a variety of healthcare majors, and have a chance to walk and talk with them.
December 2025
Weekly Fall Prevention Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person fall prevention exercise class led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT. The program includes strengthening and balance exercises as well as education on fall recovery techniques to reduce the risk of falls.
Registration: Contact Shannon Dudash at 330-941-2407 or sstarr@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Caregiving: Resources, Services and Tips
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Boardman Park, Lariccia Building
Description: Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the challenges facing caregivers and practical solutions to support them. Topics will include:
- Navigating options: home health, assisted living, and hospice
- Tips for planning future caregiving needs
- Services and supports available for caregivers
- Local resources and who to contact for help
After the talk, explore our Resource Fair featuring local caregiving providers ready to answer your questions and share valuable materials. Lunch will be provided.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP is encouraged but not required. RSVP here.
Walk With A Doc
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Park Mall – 7401 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512 (Meet at the main concourse area – by Macy’s)
Description: Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance.
The Youngstown State University Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is excited to partner with the Southern Park Mall to offer this walk to the community. We will also offer health screenings to include blood pressure monitoring, balance screens, and grip strength testing. Being aware of your personal numbers and walking will lead you on a path of good health! Walkers will meet students from a variety of healthcare majors, and have a chance to walk and talk with them.