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.
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.
Weekly Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person, exercise class for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. The program is taught by an exercise instructor certified in PWR!Moves. PWR!Moves is a set of Parkinson’s-specific functional exercises. The goal is to slow, halt, or even reverse loss of mobility by targeting four key movement skills known to decline in Parkinson’s: tall posture, weight shifting, trunk mobility (axial rotation), and stepping/transitioning.
Registration: Contact Annie Tapp PT, DPT, PhD at 330-941-1897 or aqtapp@ysu.edu with your name, caregiver’s name (if applicable), whether you use an assistive device (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.), and a phone number.
OIP-U @ YSU Welcomes Dean Gillispie
Date: On Tuesday, November 4, he will speak during two class sessions—all are welcome to attend either:
Cushwa Hall 3204, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Cushwa Hall 1515, 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Description: This is an important opportunity for students in criminal justice, law, social work, and related fields to hear firsthand how the justice system can fail—and how advocacy can make a difference.
Dean Gillispie spent 20 years in prison for crimes he has always maintained he did not commit. In 1991, he was wrongfully convicted of rape and kidnapping related to incidents in Ohio from 1988. He was sentenced to 22 to 56 years, despite:
- No physical evidence linking him to the crimes
- Mismatched suspect descriptions given by victims
- Police detectives originally clearing him as a suspect
His conviction was largely based on a flawed photo lineup and testimony influenced by a former supervisor who held a personal grudge. The jury initially deadlocked 8-4 in favor of a conviction. Gillispie’s case later became one of the earliest taken up by the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. More than a dozen law students and faculty spent nearly a decade fighting on his behalf.
In December 2011, after federal review, a U.S. District Magistrate Judge ruled that Gillispie did not receive a fair trial, citing that evidence withheld from the jury could have changed the outcome. He was released just before Christmas that year into the arms of his parents. His exoneration marked one of the major early victories of the Ohio Innocence Project, and he is now one of their most impactful speakers—sharing his story to raise awareness about wrongful convictions, justice reform, and the power of persistence in the legal system.
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.
Weekly Parkinson's Disease Exercise Class
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays, August 26 – December 6, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Youngstown State University Beeghly Center, Room 119
Parking: M81 Lot
Description: Join us for a free, in-person, exercise class for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. The program is taught by an exercise instructor certified in PWR!Moves. PWR!Moves is a set of Parkinson’s-specific functional exercises. The goal is to slow, halt, or even reverse loss of mobility by targeting four key movement skills known to decline in Parkinson’s: tall posture, weight shifting, trunk mobility (axial rotation), and stepping/transitioning.
Registration: Contact Annie Tapp PT, DPT, PhD at 330-941-1897 or aqtapp@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.
January 2026
Wellness For Life Speaker Series: Safety at Home: How to Stay Home Longer and Safer
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave. Girard, OH 44420
Speaker: Nancy Landgraff PhD, DPT
Description: Join Dr. Nancy Landgraff from YSU’s Physical Therapy team for an interactive one-hour session designed to help you stay confident and secure at home. Learn practical tips to reduce fall risks, identify hidden hazards, and make simple adjustments that can make a big difference in your safety and independence. Whether you live alone or with loved ones, this session will empower you to create a safer, more comfortable home environment.
Registration: RSVP Here!