HARRISON - CoxHealth and North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) are excited to announce a new collaboration that will expand health care access for residents of North Central Arkansas. In the coming months, the health systems will jointly open a new medical facility in Harrison so residents can continue to receive exceptional primary care while increasing access to specialists close to home.

The facility will occupy the former Bear State Bank located at 1401 Hwy 65 North in Harrison. NARMC purchased the building and engaged CoxHealth to manage the renovations necessary to convert it to a medical office complex.

When the project is completed, the building will house a variety of physician practices from both NARMC and CoxHealth. This venture will offer patients convenient access to complimentary services provided by both health systems.

The mission, vision and values of CoxHealth and NARMC are closely aligned. This relationship will provide patients in the region specialty care without the need for travel. Their common goal is to strengthen the sustainability of the hospital and the provision of quality care in the region according to Vince Leist, President and CEO of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center.

CoxHealth plans to expand the number of specialties it offers locally through the new facility. These services will be determined in cooperation with NARMC leadership to better understand the community's needs. Additionally, CoxHealth Center Harrison, which opened in August 2020, will also relocate to the space.

It is anticipated the facility will be open by Fall 2021.