Bitonte College of Health and Human Services
BCHHS Wellness Events Calendar
Wellness at Youngstown State University
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
Every Monday & Wednesday
10-11 AM Parkinson's Clinic | 11 AM-12 PM Fall Prevention
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
Every Tuesday & Thursday
1:30-2:30 PM Parkinson's Clinic | 2:30-3:30 PM Fall Prevention
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
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-8:00 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
November 2026
Walk With A Doc
Date: Thursday, November 5 | 10:00 AM
Location: Southern Park Mall
Guest Speaker: TBD
Description: Walk With A Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. You'll spend a few minutes learning about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, followed by a healthy walk and conversation. Walk at your own pace and choose your own distance.
Youngstown State University's Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is excited to partner with Southern Park Mall to offer this walk to the community. Health screenings will also be available, including blood pressure monitoring, balance screening, and grip strength testing. Participants will have the opportunity to meet YSU students and walk and talk with them.
All are welcome. No registration required!
YSU Wellness Fair
Date: Saturday, November 7
Location: Southern Park Mall
Connect with local health professionals, businesses, and YSU students while exploring healthy living tips, community resources, and exciting career opportunities.
Enjoy hands-on demonstrations and activities, including:
- Hands-Only CPR and lung health demonstrations
- Vision and eye health
- Healthy teeth and oral care
- Handwashing and germ tracking
- Blood pressure and health screenings
- Stress relief and cognitive health
- Fall prevention, fitness, and winter safety
- Nutrition, hydration, and healthy eating
- GLP-1 medication education
- Healthy Kids activities and a children's obstacle course
Plus, enjoy:
- Interactive activities for all ages
- Health information and take-home resources
- Free wellness giveaways
- Opportunities to meet local health and wellness businesses
- A chance to WIN a raffle basket!
Bring the whole family and spend the afternoon discovering fun ways to stay healthy, active, and well. We can’t wait to see you there!
All are welcome. No registration required!
December 2026
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Understanding Water and Its Contaminants
Date: Wednesday, December 2 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: Jewish Community Center (JCC) 505 Gypsy Ln., Youngstown, OH 44504
Guest Speaker: Dr. Douglas Genna, Professor of Chemical & Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University
Description: Where does clean water come from, and what happens before it reaches your home? This educational presentation explores the science behind water, including where clean water comes from, what substances and contaminants can be found in water and how they get there, and how water is treated and cleaned. Learn how treated water is delivered to homes and communities and gain a better understanding of the science behind one of our most essential resources.
Wellness for Life Speaker Series: Remembering the Dead: Art and Commemoration in the Roman Catacombs
Date: Wednesday, December 16 | 12:00–1:30 PM (Lunch & Learn)
Location: McDonough Museum of Art, Youngstown State University
Guest Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Smith, Professor, Department of Art, Youngstown State University
Description: The Roman catacombs preserve a remarkable record of how early Christians honored their dead. Through painted decoration, inscriptions, and fascinating objects affixed to sealed tombs, including exquisite gold glass vessel fragments, this lecture explores the art and archaeology of commemoration in Late Antique Rome and what these remains reveal about family, identity, and the hope of eternal life.
Parking: The Wick Deck is the best place for parking. There will be a $5 charge. For individuals with mobility issues, one handicap parking spot is available in front of the museum on Wick Ave. A couple of additional spots may be available with a special permit upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Dr. Dan Van Dussen at djvandussen@ysu.edu for more information.
```