BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Claxton Hepburn Medical Center’s getting $9.8 million from the New York State Office of Mental Health, to help expand behavioral health services for juveniles.

“With a combined total of $9.8 million dollars in funds, this initiative couldn't come at a more critical time. Mental health challenges are escalating, especially in underserved regions like the north country. Establishing a standalone psychiatric emergency room isn't just necessary—it's a lifesaver. Both initiatives underscore the pivotal role CHMC plays as a designated mental health hub for the county,” Rich Duvall said, President & CEO of Carthage Area Hospital, CHMC, and NSHA.

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC)  under the umbrella of North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) was awarded a $4.8 million dollar grant by the OMH. 

These funds will be used to create a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program (CPEP) in the North Country.

That news followed the previous announcement of a $5 million dollar grant by the New York State Office of Mental Health. That announcement followed an earlier notice of a 

"This grant represents a resounding endorsement of CHMC's unwavering commitment to compassionate care and innovation in the field of mental health," a release from the hospital says.

The grant will aid in  the expansion of CHMC's Children & Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit, the region's only center dedicated to the mental well-being of young individuals.

"This much needed expansion will add 10 additional beds to the unit, providing essential support to meet the escalating demand for children's mental health services in our community," the release says.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health," said Duvall.

 "This award enables us to enhance and expand our services, ensuring more children and adolescents in the North Country receive the vital mental health care they need."

According to the press release the expansion of the “Elizabeth May Duvall Unit” underscores NSHA's commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate mental health care across the North Country.

“It reflects our collective dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering resilience in our community's youth,” the release says.

Duvall said in January the New York State Department of Health granted approval for the first phase of the Critical Access Transition, which involves a 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.

This initiative marks the initial phase of the Critical Access Transition, which has received approval from the New York State Department of Health.

Duvall said it was a milestone in the plan, but no update has been issued since.

In 2023 Duvall went into detail about the changes needed to stay solvent.

He said the acute care center will be designated as a critical access hospital, which will help ensure the facility’s future because it is expected to then qualify for increased reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid.

North Star was established roughly seven years ago and at one time included CHMC, Carthage Hospital, Meadowbrook Terrace, North Country Orthopedics and River Hospital. However, River Hospital has since broken away.

Duvall said then that the Claxton-Hepburn Mental Health Center would continue to operate 40 beds while serving solely as a behavioral health clinic.