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.
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.
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.
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 | Registration at 8:30 AM | Ceremony at 9:45 AM | Walk at 10:00 AM
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.
Wellness Across the Lifespan Health Fair
Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Southern Park Mall – 7401 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512
Description: The event will bring community members together with different healthcare disciplines from Youngstown State University to promote health, fitness, wellness, and preventative care through activities, interactive booths, short educational talks and resources.
Speakers:
- 10:15 AM - Mental Health with Lacie Brubaker LPCC
- 11:00 AM - Managing Arthritis with Dr. Rebecca Riblet
11:45 AM - Food is Medicine with Dr. Jeanine Mincher - 12:30 PM - Accurate Sources of Health Information with Lauren Iaguli, Public Health
- 1:30 PM - Social Media and Child/Teen Mental Health with Sherry Thistlewaite and YSU Counseling Students
- 2:30 PM All About Concussions with Dr. Erin Shilling and Dr. Alan Koren
Demonstrations and Activities:
- 10:30 AM - Yoga with Theresa Minich (includes a chair option)
- 12:30 PM - Cooking Demonstration Making Healthy Wraps with Dr. Jeanine Mincher and YSU Students
- 1:10 PM - 10-Minute Kids Warm Up Stretch with YSU Students
- 1:30 PM - Kids Obstacle Course (Ages 3 -12 years old) with Physical Therapy, Exercise Science and Athletic Training Students
- 1:30 PM Punt/Pass/Kick in Debartlo Commons with Physical Therapy, Exercise Science and Athletic Training Students
Sponsors: YSU Bitonte College of Health and Human Services and the Southern Park Mall.
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.
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.