News release
CARTHAGE, NY — We are pleased to provide an update to the North Star Health Alliance strategic plan. This past summer we shared information with the public that included shared services with Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, the CHMC hospital campus conversion to critical access and the creation of a standalone mental health hospital.
The most recent update surrounds our outpatient services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) and Carthage Area Hospital. The New York State Department of Health has granted approval for the first phase of the Critical Access Transition, which involves a strategic shift in the management of rural health clinics in Ogdensburg, Canton, Madrid, Hammond, and Waddington to management under Carthage Area Hospital through the North Star Health Alliance.
In our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, we want to make it clear that there will be absolutely no interruption or reduction in the range of services
offered. Patients can rest assured that they will continue to see their current healthcare providers and have access to the same services with the same provider at the same locations where they are currently receiving treatment.
This initiative marks the initial phase of the Critical Access Transition, which has
received approval from the New York State Department of Health. Rich Duvall
commented on this milestone, saying, “This initial phase of the Critical Access Transition, sanctioned by the New York State Department of Health, represents a pivotal step. It’s crucial in helping us meet our three core objectives: preserving our range of services, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring the honor of Claxton-Hepburn’s employee pensions.”
At CHMC and CAH, our commitment to providing accessible healthcare to the North Country remains unchanged. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to serve you with the same level of care and dedication you've come to expect. Please be assured there will be no changes in the services provided, no relocation of physical locations, and no reductions in the services you rely on. The only change is in the management of outpatient services, ensuring we continue to provide patient-driven care to our community.
Thank you for entrusting us with your healthcare needs. We are committed to serving our wonderful community and ensuring that your health remains in the best hands.
About Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center:
Established in 1855, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center holds the distinction of being the inaugural hospital in the North Country. The hospital operates as a not-for-profit, private community hospital and regional referral center, certified for 115 beds, ensuring that the approximately 40,000 inhabitants of Ogdensburg, NY, and the adjacent communities receive the crucial services they require in close proximity to their homes. Claxton-Hepburn is distinguished by its specialized centers in cancer, renal, and wound-healing care, as well as comprehensive inpatient and outpatient mental health care, emergency medicine, maternity care, pulmonary care, and diabetes education.
About Carthage Area Hospital:
Carthage Area Hospital was established as a not-for-profit rural community hospital in 1965. It operates today as a fully accredited 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, serving approximately 83,000 residents in Jefferson, northern Lewis and southern St. Lawrence counties. With additional regional healthcare centers located in Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Waddington, Hammond, Canton, and Madrid, as well as the Walk-in Clinic and School Based Clinics, CAH ensures all residents have convenient access to necessary services, alleviating the need for costly travel.