BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

Nurses from across the North Country are planning a speak-out Wednesday at Carthage Area Hospital, demanding the state secure funding for Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital.

The two facilities are currently navigating bankruptcy under the umbrella of North Star Health Alliance.

The rally comes as North Star explores collaboration opportunities with regional healthcare organizations to “enhance clinical sustainability, strengthen financial performance, and preserve local access to care well into the future.”

The NYSNA event, set for 6 p.m., will highlight the impact of hospital cuts or closures on patients across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. 

“These hospitals are lifelines in our communities,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans. “Cuts or closures would devastate access to care for patients across the North Country.”

Meanwhile, North Star is trying to stabilize operations amid a projected $17 million loss in coming months.

 Thanks to short-term funding from the New York State Department of Health, the Alliance says it will be able to pay employees for at least one more week.

“Since the initiation of the restructuring process, NSHA leadership and its newly appointed Interim CEO, Andy Manzer, have been working closely with the NYSDOH, including the Financially Distressed Hospital Bureau, to support the development of a sustainable path forward,” the organization said in a statement. Manzer added that all NSHA facilities remain open and committed to providing essential services.

For nurses like Jessica Thornton at Claxton-Hepburn, the stakes are personal. 

“Patients already struggle to access care, driving hours for emergencies and specialized treatments. All New Yorkers deserve safe, quality care close to home,” she said.

The NYSNA has warned that programs like Hospital-at-Home, being expanded in rural areas, cannot replace in-person care for acute needs. 

Advocates say relying on such programs could further reduce beds, staff, and hospital capacity, leaving communities more vulnerable during emergencies.

North Star has promised transparency as it navigates bankruptcy and restructuring, while nurses push for immediate action to protect care in the North Country. 

“We remain committed to maintaining essential healthcare services while strengthening our financial foundation,” Manzer said.

On Friday March 13, North Star Health Alliance shared news that the Department of Health would be assisting with payroll. 

They also shared plans to cut ties with Wintergreen, a consulting firm, in which Rob Bloom was a principal. The decision followed public backlash after court documents showed the company had conflicts of interest that were disclosed in court. 

The company had also drawn criticism from employees as well as Assemblyman Scott Gray due to the fact that Wintergreen's Bloom had been involved in the financial management prior to the bankruptcy. Although North Star is cutting ties with Wintergreen, the company will continue to provide services for the next month. It appears the interim CEO will replace Bloom as restructuring officer, but nothing appears to be official at this point.

On Monday March 16 St. Lawrence County Chairman David Forsythe and SLC Operations Committee Chair Rita Curran said they met with Department of Health Commissioner Jim McDonald who indicated that his department was working daily with North Star officials to ensure continued access to care.

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you read this article reported by the staff of NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news, promote our many community events, and encourage community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!