Bitonte College of Health and Human Services
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.
BCHHS Community Wellness Clinics
Weekly Wellness Clinics ▼
Dental Hygiene Clinic
Date: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) | Tuesday, Thursday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: YSU Cushwa Hall, First Floor, Waiting Room 1200
Parking: $5 parking permits available through YSU Parking Services (Smith Hall)
Description: Receive a free dental cleaning provided by YSU Dental Hygiene students under the close supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists. Services may include:
- Oral examinations
- Scaling and polishing of teeth
- Fluoride applications
- Radiographic surveys (X-rays)
- Study models
- Sealants and restorations
- Local anesthesia
Appointments may take longer than those in a private dental office, and multiple visits may be required.
Registration: Call (330) 941-3342, Monday–Friday
On-Campus Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Class
Date: Monday & Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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.
Registration: Registration: Call or text (330) 946-3201 or email activeaging@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
On-Campus Fall Prevention Class
Date: Monday & Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: YSU Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Free, in-person fall prevention class 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 with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Off-Campus Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Class
Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday (February-April) | 1:30 PM – 2:30 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, targeting posture, mobility, and functional movement.
Registration: Call or text (330) 946-3201 or email activeaging@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Off-Campus Fall Prevention Class
Date: Tuesday & Thursday (February-April) | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church – Helen Chapel, 201 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Description: Free, in-person fall prevention class led by Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT, focusing on balance, strength, and fall recovery education.
Registration: Call or text (330) 946-3201 or email activeaging@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
Penguin Physical Therapy Clinic
Date: Every Tuesday 4:00 to 7:00 PM & Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church – Helen Chapel, 201 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Description: Free physical therapy services led by 1 and 2 year physical therapy students for uninsured and underinsured patients in the Youngstown area.
Registration: Call 330-519-0460 for more information and scheduling.
April 2026
Walk With a Doc: National Stress Awareness Month
Date: Thursday, April 2, 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.
Wellness For Life Speaker Series: More Than Teeth: The Hidden Power of Oral Health
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:30 to 2:30 PM
Location: Austintown Senior Center 112 Westchester Dr. Austintown OH 44515
Speakers: Ruth Palich, Youngstown State University Dental Hygiene
Description: Join us for a talk about taking care of oral health as we age. Join Ruth Palich of Youngstown State University’s Dental Hygiene program as she discusses ways to help our oral health as we age.
She will also cover some of the medications that can impact oral health and ways to talk with your Dentist and health care providers about ways to improve oral health. This is a lunch and learn session.
RSVP is encouraged but not required.
Registration: RSVP Here!
An Evening with Dr. Rana Awdish: Rehumanizing Healthcare
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: Youngstown State University, Bliss Hall, Recital Hall | 547 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503
Speakers: Dr. Rana Awdish, best selling author of In Shock
Description: Rana Awdish, author of In Shock, is a nationally recognized pulmonary and critical care physician and a leading voice in compassionate care. Her work has transformed how healthcare professionals approach communication, empathy, and the human experience in medicine.
Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking evening as Dr. Awdish shares insights that are reshaping conversations around patient care, resilience, and human connection in healthcare.
Book signing and pre-sales of her new book, After Shock, to follow.
Free and open to the community | Guest parking available in the Wick Parking Deck for $5
May 2026
Wellness For Life Speaker Series: Parkinson’s Support, Strategies, and Resources
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 | 12:00 to 2:00 PM
Location: Girard Multi-Generational Center 443 Trumbull Ave, Girard, OH 44420
Speakers: Dr. Annie Tapp, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
Description: This interactive session will provide an overview of Parkinson's disease, including early signs and symptoms, current treatment options, and how physical therapy can help maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Whether you're living with Parkinson's or supporting someone who is, you'll learn practical strategies and resources for managing the disease.
Registration: RSVP Here!
Walk With a Doc: Arthritis Awareness
Date: Thursday, May 7, 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.
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.