GOUVERNEUR — St. Lawrence Health is reminding local residents of the availability of emergency care at their various locations.

St. Lawrence Health Medical Director for Emergency Services and Urgent Care Jason Lorenc, MD, said he firmly believes in the motto, “The right care in the right place at the right time.”

Dr. Lorenc said he wants the public to know the emergency providers are ready to care for them if the need arises, and the emergency rooms are properly prepared for the next patient.

“We have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure our Emergency Departments are not only a safe place for our staff to work, but they are a safe place for you and your loved ones to go when you need emergency care,” he stated.

Gouverneur Hospital Emergency Department Director Adam Quinn, MD, said, “Whenever anyone is experiencing a medical emergency, they should be evaluated by an emergency medicine provider. Don’t wait or delay care when a time sensitive or life threatening incident has occurred.”

Quinn said some of the conditions requiring immediate care include chest pain, difficulty breathing, head injury, severe abdominal pain, passing out, seizures, severe injuries, changes in someone’s mental status, and thoughts about hurting yourself or others.

Medical conditions that may be able to wait until the next day include insect bites, coughs or colds, minor vomiting or diarrhea, stomach ache, simple falls, fever, headache, minor infections (including urinary tract infection, ear infection, sinus infection, sore throat, or pink eye), nosebleeds, sprains, or strains.

In addition to the emergency rooms and primary care centers located at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital and Massena Hospital, local residents can seek medical care at Gouverneur Hospital’s DeKalb Junction Health Center from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and the Edwards Health Center from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

For information on St. Lawrence Health’s Primary Care locations, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/primary-care-centers.