FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Community leaders encourage residents to donate and support local patients
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at more than 40 hospitals in 41 counties, will partner with the City of Harrison to host a lifesaving blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Community leaders are rallying behind the event to encourage residents to donate.
Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson said giving blood is one of the most impactful ways to help neighbors in need. "I encourage everyone in our community to roll up their sleeves and be a part of this life-saving effort,” Jackson said. “We are proud to team up with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to support our local hospitals and help ensure patients get the care they need. Come help save a life at the City of Harrison Blood Drive on January 7."
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) also stressed the importance of local blood donation, saying, “Our partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) has been vital in allowing us to serve both our patients and our community,” said Rachel Mullins, MHA, MSHI, MB(ASCP)cm, Director of Laboratory Services at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC). “CBCO is NARMC’s exclusive blood supplier and has continued to meet our needs, unlike many hospitals across the country that have faced shortages, forcing them to delay procedures or turn away patients. NARMC issues more than 100 units of blood each month, while our community blood drives currently collect around 60 units — well below our hospital’s need. We are incredibly grateful for the City of Harrison’s support in partnering with CBCO to add additional blood drives, which will ensure that the generosity of our donors directly benefits the people right here at home.”
The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at Harrison City Hall, 118 Industrial Park Drive, Harrison. Drive hours are 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Successful donors will receive a cozy crewneck sweatshirt, while supplies last. Donors can also register to participate in the “56-Day Challenge” for a chance to win up to $56,000.00 in VISA gift cards, thanks to a generous donation from the Adam Swenka Team at Flat Branch Home Loans and The Giving Branch.
To Participate in the 56 Day Challenge:
Sign up online by February 28 at www.cbco.org/2026-56-day/
Give blood any time in 2026
Before donating, please:
1. Drink plenty of water or juice the night before and the morning before you donate.
2. Eat a well-balanced meal two to three hours before giving.
3. Bring photo identification. ID is required for all donors.
Every blood donation can help up to three local patients. To avoid wait times, we strongly encourage appointments. Schedule an appointment at
or call 417-227-5006.