Ogdensburg labor and delivery closure plan draws hundreds to public hearing

Hundreds of people gathered outside Ogdensburg Free Academy on July 29 as the New York State Nurses Association, local officials and residents opposed North Star Health Alliance’s proposal to end labor and delivery services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. The proposal requires approval from the state Department of Health.

The state-required hearing, held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the academy auditorium, also covered proposed changes involving nuclear medicine and three primary care clinics at Claxton-Hepburn. North Star announced the labor and delivery plan July 14.

North Star Chief Operating Officer Jerian O’Dell said births at Claxton-Hepburn fell from 138 in 2021 to 106 last year. Interim CEO Andy Manzer said the health system faces more than $3 million in annual operating losses and cited declining births and the cost of maintaining a 24-hour unit.

The Ogdensburg unit is the only birthing center within 30 miles of the city. It has 10 employees. North Star has not announced final staffing decisions, and labor and delivery services are expected to continue during the state review, which the health system said will take at least 90 days.

Regional concerns

Canton-Potsdam Regional Medical Center has been identified as the nearest alternative for expectant mothers. The additional travel could affect patients, emergency responders and nearby hospitals in St. Lawrence County.

Assemblyman Scott Gray has opposed the proposed closure and asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to give the plan the fullest scrutiny. The Ogdensburg City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging North Star and the Department of Health to reverse course. The resolution also asked that two maternity beds remain available if the closure proceeds.

North Star said it would create a transition plan for maternity patients through the Claxton-Hepburn Women’s Health Clinic. Gynecological care would continue.

The hearing came as North Star and three affiliates work through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings filed Feb. 10, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York. The filing listed more than $100 million in liabilities. North Star has said its facilities would remain open during the bankruptcy process.

The state approved up to $15 million in March and a $60 million loan in May. A court filing said the health system could run out of cash and close without that financing. North Star also announced a proposed partnership with Rochester Regional Health on July 23, but Rochester Regional said it had not approved the arrangement. The partnership did not change the labor and delivery proposal.

The one-week written comment period following the July 29 hearing has closed. Comments may be sent to communityfeedback@nshany.org. The Department of Health’s decision on the labor and delivery proposal remains subject to the state review, described as lasting at least 90 days.