Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This WeekOGDENSBURG – Assemblyman Scott Gray is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure North Star Health Alliance’s plan to close labor and delivery at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center gets the ‘fullest scrutiny’ from state health officials before any decision is made.
He says the loss of the Ogdensburg birthing unit would threaten health care access across St. Lawrence County.
North Star announced July 14 that it will seek state approval to discontinue labor and delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn, which is currently the only birthing center within 30 miles of Ogdensburg.
In a statement released July 17 he asked the governor to preserve health care in this region and to ensure the Department of Health gives the fullest scrutiny to this closure of a critical service in St. Lawrence County.
Gray, R-Watertown, said he remains opposed to the closure and urged the state Department of Health to take a close look at the proposal before any final decision is made.
The proposal has drawn criticism from local leaders, health care workers and residents concerned about the impact on expectant mothers who may face longer travel times for deliveries.
“Our community deserves adequate, reliable and accessible health care. Full stop,” Gray said. “I remain opposed to the closure of the labor and delivery unit at Claxton-Hepburn. It is 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.”
North Star Health Alliance CEO Andy Manzer said the decision is being driven by declining birth numbers, annual operating losses exceeding $3 million and the need to strengthen the financial stability of the health system.
Claxton-Hepburn recorded 139 deliveries in 2023, 127 in 2024 and 106 in 2025. Through the first six months of 2026, the hospital has delivered 52 babies.
Manzer said the labor and delivery program continues to operate at a significant loss because of declining volume and the cost of maintaining a full-service obstetrical department 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Ultimately, we have a responsibility to make difficult decisions that strengthen the long-term stability of the health system as a whole,” Manzer said.
The announcement comes as North Star continues through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings while restructuring the organization. More than 200 jobs have been lost. Clinics have closed and specialty service providers continue to shrink.
Gray said he recognizes the financial challenges facing the health system but said the closure should not be viewed as inevitable.
“I understand the financial fragility of this operation,” Gray said. “I understand the numbers driving these decisions, and I do not dismiss the difficult position this health system is in. But understanding the financial reality is not the same as accepting this outcome as final.”
He said a future partnership agreement involving North Star should include a path to restoring labor and delivery services in Ogdensburg.
“The state of New York has made a significant investment in this health system, including $15 million in grant funding through the Department of Health and a $45 million loan through the Dormitory Authority,” Gray said. “That investment was made to preserve services, not to preside over their elimination.”
North Star has said it will develop a transition plan for current patients receiving maternity care through the Claxton-Hepburn Women’s Health Clinic.
The labor and delivery unit currently employs 10 people. North Star has not announced final staffing decisions but said affected employees will be included in transition discussions.
Before any closure can occur, the proposal must be reviewed and approved by the New York State Department of Health. The process will include a public hearing and review of the hospital’s closure plan.
Manzer said the state review is expected to take at least 90 days after the final submission.
Gray is encouraging residents to participate in the public hearing process and continue pressing state officials for answers about the future of health care services in the region.
“Families, employees and the entire region need to know where this is headed and what the objective is for health care services in this community,” Gray said.
