04/08/2026
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will participate in a large-scale, community-wide mass casualty exercise on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 7:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando Fl 32827.
The exercise, designed to enhance preparedness and coordination among multiple agencies, will simulate response to a complex mass casualty scenario.
“We don’t wait for a crisis to figure things out. This exercise gives us the chance to challenge our systems, improve how we work together, and make sure we are ready to deliver when our Veterans and community need us most.”, said Timothy J. Cooke, Director/CEO, OVAHCS.
The event will bring together local, state, and federal emergency response agencies, as well as healthcare systems, law enforcement, and public safety organizations from across the region. It will also engage students from Wekiva High School in Apopka, who will participate as role-playing victims and bystanders to provide a more dynamic and realistic exercise environment.
“Having students involved adds a level of energy and realism you simply can’t replicate. It not only strengthens the exercise for our teams but also gives young people a firsthand look at how emergency response works and why it matters.”, said Melanie Thomas, Public Affairs Officer for the Orlando VA Healthcare System.
The exercise will test a range of critical capabilities, including:
• Rapid assessment and triage of victims
• Communication and coordination between agencies
• Decontamination procedures
• Medical surge capacity and resource management
• Incident command and public information dissemination
Residents and businesses near the Orlando VA Medical Center and surrounding areas may notice an increased presence of emergency response vehicles and personnel throughout the duration of the exercise. The Orlando VA is working closely with the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition and other agencies to ensure the community is informed in advance.
