Recent developments at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and the broader North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) require immediate attention from Albany. Reports of significant workforce cuts, service downsizing and the looming risk of further losses in the coming days threaten vital health care, emergency and behavioral health services—services essential to a rural region and the community around Fort Drum.

The layoffs and the potential closure of rural outpatient clinics are already disrupting access to care in an area that cannot afford any setbacks. Worries about further staff reductions and the possible discontinuation of essential services, such as maternity care, only add to the concern. This isn’t just a policy debate; it’s a crisis threatening health-care stability.

As elected officials in New York state, including the governor and the Department of Health (DOH) commissioner, we have a responsibility to be transparent about this situation and to communicate openly with the community. We must acknowledge the community’s concerns, respond directly to them, reconcile any differences in the information exchanged between NSHA and the state DOH and lay out a clear path to resolve these issues. The current situation is not how we deliver health care, and passivity is no longer an option.

Therefore, unless the differences between NSHA and DOH are resolved and allow for Vital Access Provider Assurance Program (VAPAP) gap stabilization funding, two other immediate options should be considered. The state needs to act quickly! These options include deploying a Department of Health triage and management team on the ground at Claxton-Hepburn to stabilize operations, ensure patient safety and provide regular, transparent updates on services and staffing timelines.

Alternatively, the state could evaluate the possibility of immediate receivership or appoint a qualified interim operator—preferably a local institution from St. Lawrence County, a conflict-free entity. Any selection must be transparent and focused solely on maintaining essential services in St Lawrence County, protecting patients, staff and restoring community confidence, without any additional motives.

The time for decisive action is now. The community can’t afford to wait any longer, and frontline health-care workers shouldn’t have to carry the weight of uncertainty any further.