FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – One by one, local seniors moved through a series of stations inside the Harrison County Senior Center ballroom, checking their balance, strength, mobility and blood pressure. Along the way, they gained a clearer understanding of how to reduce their fall risk.
As part of National Physical Therapy Month, students in Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program hosted free fall risk screenings for Harrison County Senior Center members Oct. 8. The event combined hands-on learning for students with practical health information for older adults.
Falls are among the most common causes of injury for adults over 65, making prevention and early awareness especially important. During the screening, participants completed several evidence-based assessments, including the Timed Up and Go test, chair stand testing, balance evaluations and blood pressure screening. Students then reviewed results with participants and discussed ways to improve stability and reduce fall risk.
For Dr. Andrea Wamsley-Barr, Program Director and Associate Professor of Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Pierpont, the event represents the kind of community engagement that helps students connect classroom learning to real-world patient care.
“Physical therapy is about helping people maintain their independence and quality of life,” Wamsley-Barr said. “These screenings allow our students to work directly with community members while educating participants about simple steps they can take to improve balance, mobility and overall safety. It’s a valuable learning experience for our students and a meaningful service for the community.”
The partnership has become an annual tradition, with this year’s event marking the second year of collaboration between the college and the senior center.
For Bill O’Field, president of the Harrison County Senior Center Board of Directors, the program extends conversations already taking place through the center’s health and wellness activities, including Tai Chi classes designed to improve balance and prevent falls.
“We want our seniors thinking about prevention before they ever need medical intervention,” O’Field said. “This program helps raise awareness, and it brings students and seniors together in a way that benefits both groups. The students get to see older adults living active lives in their own environment, and our members gain information that can help them remain independent and confident.”
The event was capped at 20 participants, allowing students to spend time with each individual and provide personalized education and feedback.
By combining community service with experiential learning, Pierpont’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares future healthcare professionals while helping area residents take proactive steps toward healthier living.
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Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
Media Contact:
Stefanie Moore, Director of Marketing and Communications
Pierpont Community & Technical College
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@pierpont.edu