Arc Mercer Continues to Lead in Emergency Preparedness and Medication Safety

The Arc Mercer recently completed another successful emergency training simulation at one of its group homes, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and exceptional care. With consumers away at their day programs, the Quality Assurance and Training departments joined forces to facilitate a simulation designed to challenge residential staff in handling a high-pressure situation involving medication administration and behavioral support.

With actors simulating real-life crisis scenarios, staff were placed in dynamic and unpredictable environments that required them to think quickly, remain calm, and support one another. The team rotated through various roles, taking turns leading responses and de-escalating behaviors in a fast-moving situation. Despite the intensity of the training, every staff member demonstrated focus and professionalism, embracing teachable moments while maintaining control throughout.

These simulations are more than just practice—they’re part of what keeps Arc Mercer operating at a level well above industry standards. Last year, the agency administered 510,490 doses of medication with an error rate of just 0.000029%. Compared to the national industry average of 3.5%.

While many might rest on such an outstanding achievement, Arc Mercer continues to push forward. These emergency simulations are just one example of the innovative, staff-driven initiatives aimed at constant improvement. In fact, these simulations were requested by residential staff themselves—underscoring their dedication to excellence and their deep care for the individuals they serve.

Staff take pride not just in doing a great job, but in striving for perfection—because they know what’s at stake. Their goal is to ensure that every person supported by the Arc Mercer lives a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Committed to Excellence

This recent training builds on a growing series of live-action simulations that test staff response in realistic, high-stress scenarios. Whether simulating medical emergencies, environmental hazards, or behavioral crises, these exercises are designed to push staff to think critically, communicate effectively, and respond with confidence and care.

These simulations reflect a larger cultural commitment at the Arc Mercer: to prepare staff not just with knowledge, but with confidence, empathy, and real-world readiness. The agency is proud to foster a work environment where staff approach every situation with the same care and urgency they would offer a member of their own family.

The Arc Mercer will continue to expand and enhance its training programs to ensure that staff are equipped to provide the highest standard of care—no matter the circumstances. Through these innovative exercises, the agency reaffirms its core mission: to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful, and healthy lives.