Mercyhealth’s annual drill prepares community for worst-case scenarios

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A pop-up emergency center was set up outside Javon Bea Hospital Riverside on Thursday as part of an annual preparedness event organized by Mercyhealth.

The temporary center is equipped with a mass decontamination area and a morgue, aiming to ensure readiness for worst-case emergencies.

“It’s our job to prepare for an event, not to wait until something happens and be behind the 8 ball, for lack of a better term,” said Tim Conley, Mercyhealth’s emergency management supervisor.

The event serves as a training opportunity for medical staff to test all equipment and procedures.

It also provides community members with a chance to see what resources are available in case of a disaster.

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