OGDENSBURG, New York (WWNY) – The Ogdensburg City Council passed a resolution Monday night urging North Star Health Alliance and the New York State Department of Health to reverse the proposed elimination of labor and delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.<\/p>\n
North Star Health Alliance announced July 14 that it is seeking state approval to discontinue labor and delivery services at the hospital, which is currently the only birthing center within 30 miles of Ogdensburg. The announcement came as the health system navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which it filed Feb. 10, 2026, in the Northern District of New York Bankruptcy Court.<\/p>\n
What the resolution calls for<\/p>\n
The resolution, introduced by Mayor Michael Tooley and designated Bill #77, urges North Star and the state health department to act without further delay to reverse the proposed elimination. If a full reversal is not made, the resolution calls on North Star to honor a previously approved transition plan submitted by Carthage Area Hospital, Inc., which included a minimum of two maternity beds as part of a proposed 25-bed Critical Access Hospital at Claxton-Hepburn.<\/p>\n
That transition plan \u2014 Project #231286-B \u2014 was reviewed and unanimously approved with conditions by the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council at its June 20, 2024 meeting. The plan called for a reduction of maternity beds from 10 to two, and noted that a two-bed maternity unit would be self-sustaining.<\/p>\n
The resolution also states that no decision to eliminate labor and delivery services should be made until a partner hospital system is approved for the facility.<\/p>\n
Nurses and council members respond<\/p>\n
Councillor Jennifer Stevenson read the resolution\u2019s core appeal during the meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city of Ogdensburg urges North Star Health Alliance and the New York State Department of Health to act without further delay to reverse the proposed elimination of labor and delivery services at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center,\u201d Stevenson said.<\/p>\n
Tamara Graveline, a registered nurse at the hospital, said the council\u2019s action was meaningful to staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels good that we have the support of our community,\u201d Graveline said. \u201cOne thing about a small community is that we come together. We\u2019ve come together for corrections. We\u2019ve come together for the psych center.\u201d<\/p>\n
Graveline also spoke to what is at stake personally.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth of my sons were born at Claxton, delivered by one of the best OBGYNs we\u2019ve had,\u201d she said. \u201cI want my children to have the opportunity to raise their families here and have the opportunity to bring their children into the world at Claxton.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councillor Dan Skamperle noted the resolution\u2019s potential weight in ongoing legal and regulatory proceedings.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe they need to get state approval and bankruptcy court approval,\u201d Skamperle said. \u201cAny opinions, or words, or a public comment from us will certainly help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Broader context<\/p>\n
The resolution notes that Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center has experienced cash-flow challenges since July 2025, leading to the bankruptcy filing. Over the past year, more than 200 jobs have been eliminated across North Star Health Alliance operations, with at least half of those positions at Claxton-Hepburn.<\/p>\n
Assemblyman Scott Gray has also weighed in, stating his opposition to the elimination of labor and delivery services and asking Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure the proposal receives \u201cfullest scrutiny\u201d from state health officials. Gray said the closure \u201cis a serious loss for expectant mothers and families across St. Lawrence County, many of whom now face long drives, in all seasons and all weather, to deliver their children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Certified copies of the resolution are being forwarded to Gov. Hochul, Assemblyman Gray, Senator Mark Walczyk, North Star Health Alliance, and the New York State Department of Health.<\/p>\n
The hospital will hold a public hearing regarding its decision at Ogdensburg Free Academy on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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