POTSDAM -- Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Canton-Potsdam Hospital today to offer appreciation for healthcare workers who have been strained in recent months.

St. Lawrence Health, which operates hospitals in Massena, Potsdam and Gouverneur recently issued a statement urging the public to get vaccinated to help reduce the burden.

The appeal noted that the hospital’s emergency rooms are overrun, beds are full and employees are strained.

The press was not permitted access to the event, but Hochul’s visit did draw some detractors. Outside the hospital two corrections officers held signs aimed at keeping Ogdensburg Correctional Facility open.

At a recent rally in Ogdensburg Congresswoman Stefanik called on the governor to visit the city and discuss her plans to close the prison, which employees more than 200 North Country residents, but Hochul apparently did not stop in Ogdensburg during her visit North Country hospitals.

Another group all turned out for Hochul’s visit.

They held sign proclaiming that “Vaccine Choice for All” and “We support frontline workers.”