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.
Weekly Wellness Clinics
On-Campus Parkinson's Disease Exercise and Fall Prevention Class
Date: Monday & Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: YSU Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Free, in-person exercise class for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease taught by a PWR!Moves-certified instructor. The program focuses on posture, weight shifting, trunk mobility, and stepping to slow or reverse mobility loss.
The fall prevention portion is led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT, including balance and strengthening exercises and education on fall recovery techniques.
Registration: Call or text (330) 946-3201 or email activeaging@ysu.edu
Off-Campus Parkinson’s Disease Exercise and Fall Prevention Class
Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday | 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church – Helen Chapel, 201 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Description: Free, in-person exercise class for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease taught by a PWR!Moves-certified instructor.
Registration: Call or text (330) 946-3201 or email activeaging@ysu.edu
Penguin Physical Therapy Clinic
Date: Tuesdays 4:00–7:00 PM
Thursdays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 4:00–7:00 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church – Helen Chapel, 201 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Description: Free physical therapy services led by first- and second-year physical therapy students for uninsured and underinsured patients in the Youngstown area.
Registration: Call 330-519-0460 for more information and scheduling.
Upcoming Wellness Events
June 2026
Walk With a Doc: Alzheimer’s Month
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 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.
August 2026
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Let’s Picnic
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Elton Beard Cabin at Boardman Park
Description: Join us for a Picnic discussion led by Julieann Ray Cheng, MS, RDN, LD. The discussion and presentation of healthy picnic foods and ways to keep food safe during the picnic. Foods will include seasonal vegetables.
Julieann Ray Cheng, MS, RDN, LD is a Registered Dietitian and Part-Time Instructor of Health Professions at Youngstown State University, where she teaches nutrition and food management courses. She also serves as a consultant dietitian for long-term care facilities and is actively engaged in community health education and service throughout the Mahoning Valley.
September 2026
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Penguin Pop-Up Wellness Clinic
Date: Tuesday, September 22 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Girard Multi-Generational Center - 443 Trumbull Ave, Girard, OH 44420
Guest Speaker: Amy Weaver, PhD, RN, CNE
Description: Take part in a dynamic conversation about wellness and the importance of early detection and monitoring of chronic conditions. Following a brief talk by Dr. Weaver, attendees can receive free health screenings for Blood Pressure, Falls Risk, and Dementia.
This event is part of Dr. Weaver's Patricia McGovern Sweeney Professorship in Nursing and a Community Health course, featuring hands-on involvement from Youngstown State University nursing students. Healthy refreshments will be provided.
All are welcome—come learn, connect, and take charge of your health!
Sponsored by Creative Retirement Fund, JADCO, Ohio Living