WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Residents and business leaders in Carthage are expressing concern over potential cuts to North Star Health Alliance facilities after the organization sounded an alarm in bankruptcy court this week.
North Star operates Carthage Area Hospital, a family clinic and Meadowbrook Terrace, a senior home, in the Carthage area.
Community reaction
West Carthage resident Anne Rohr said she wants the hospital to remain open and operational.
“It’s a good hospital and it’s working well and we don’t need it to stop,” Rohr said. “It needs to be here.”
Carthage Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Deborah Atkins described the hospital as a major village employer and said any layoffs would be devastating.
“What an awful thing that would be to have those closed. We have so many kids that can go to school and if they don’t feel good, they can go see somebody there. We have many senior facilities in our community and those seniors utilize Carthage Area Hospital and all the facilities they have in the area,” Atkins said.
Workforce support available
The WorkPlace of Jefferson County said it is prepared to assist workers if cuts occur.
Executive Director Cheryl Mayforth encouraged anyone affected to reach out.
“We’re here to help. We don’t want people to feel helpless. We don’t want people to feel as though they don’t have support should they need it and so please stop by,” Mayforth said.
Path forward
Atkins said she hopes North Star and the state Department of Health can find a resolution with the community in mind.
“Don’t think of it as just the pen striking the paper. Think of it as your mother, your children living in this community,” Atkins said.
State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, who represents Carthage, declined to comment.
The village’s elected officials did not respond to requests for comment.
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