Rock County Board Approves Mercy Health's $500K Donation for Nursing Services Hub

Rock County officials have taken significant steps to enhance local healthcare services following a recent board meeting on August 14, 2025. A key decision made during the meeting was the approval of a $500,000 funding agreement with Mercy Health to support the establishment of a medical services lab and nursing hub at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater at Rock County.

The funding will be allocated in five annual installments of $100,000, aimed at developing a dedicated nursing area within the facility. This initiative addresses the pressing need for trained nursing staff in the community, a concern highlighted by board members during discussions. The collaboration between Rock County and UW Whitewater is particularly noteworthy, as the county owns the property while the university manages funding and operations.

In addition to the Mercy Health agreement, the board discussed the importance of maintaining emergency sirens, emphasizing their critical role in community safety. The aging infrastructure of these sirens was acknowledged, with officials stressing the need for timely upgrades to ensure they remain operational.

The board's decisions reflect a proactive approach to improving healthcare access and emergency preparedness in Rock County. As these initiatives move forward, they are expected to significantly benefit residents by enhancing medical training opportunities and ensuring public safety measures are up to date.