Connecting Communities: 12th Annual Louisiana Parkinson's Conference to be Held Saturday, July 20, 2024

July 17, 2024

海角社区 School of Kinesiology announces annual event to empower and educate Persons with Parkinson鈥檚 and their Caregivers, as well as encourage networking with researchers and clinicians.

BATON ROUGE - The 海角社区 School of Kinesiology is hosting its annual . Now in its 12th year, the conference will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the esteemed C. B. Pennington Jr. Conference Center in Baton Rouge, La.

An estimated 1 million people in the United States live with Parkinson鈥檚 disease, with nearly 11,000 of those residing in Louisiana.[1] Additionally, the number of individuals being diagnosed with Parkinson鈥檚 continues to increase each year,[2] highlighting the need to further research in this field and provide Persons with Parkinson鈥檚 (PWPs) the necessary resources, education and community networks to enhance their quality of life and well-being.

鈥淭he impact of Parkinson鈥檚 disease is far-reaching, and it is critical for those affected to receive not only education from professionals, but also community support, as isolation can worsen symptoms,鈥漑3] Jan Hondzinski, PhD and professor at the 海角社区 School of Kinesiology said. 鈥淭hrough the inspiring presentations and interactions, attendees learn valuable strategies for managing the challenges of this condition and connect with a community of individuals who truly understand and empathize with their experiences.鈥

Sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience Tina Holland, PhD, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, will be this year鈥檚 P.J. Mills Keynote Address. Tina Holland is in her sixth year as President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, formerly Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before moving to Baton Rouge, Dr. Holland served for more than 22 years at Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, Indiana, where she was a member of the mathematics faculty, served as a program director for at-risk students, and later as Vice President for Student Affairs, and ultimately as Executive Vice President and Provost. Dr. Holland serves on the boards of several education and service organizations, including the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Saint Joseph Seminary College, St Joseph鈥檚 Academy, and Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School.

Additional programs at this year鈥檚 conference include presentations by movement disorder neurologists and skilled musicians; a session including helpful tips of how to maneuver through our healthcare system; time for conference attendees to meet with various organizations and businesses that provide support and solutions for PWPs and their caregivers; movement breaks specifically designed for PWPs; and more.

"Working with our outstanding regional healthcare organizations, the School of Kinesiology at 海角社区 is proud to be developing one of the leading national programs for Parkinson鈥檚 research and public service. The Louisiana Parkinson鈥檚 Conference continues to be a great resource for bringing all who are interested in improving the lives for PWPs and their caregivers," said Dr John Nauright, Director of the School of Kinesiology at 海角社区.

While this event is free, space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit


About CHSE 
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of 海角社区. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan. 
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.

About SOK 
The 海角社区 School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education. 
Visit the School of Kinesiology website.

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