Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Secures $18.9 Million to Continue Transforming Care in the North Country

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Secures $18.9 Million to Continue Transforming Care in the North Country

Ogdensburg, NY — Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a Statewide Transformation IV grant totaling more than $18.9 million from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Health. This major investment represents a significant step forward in advancing CHMC’s strategic plan and strengthening critical healthcare services for the North Country.

The Transformation IV funding will drive a series of major modernization and service expansion projects that will significantly improve healthcare in the region. These initiatives include the expansion of mental health services, with increased inpatient behavioral health bed capacity and the creation of a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) to provide immediate, specialized crisis care and reduce strain on emergency departments. The grant funding will also streamline hospital operations by modernizing and consolidating clinical services, relocating maternity services, acute and critical care, and lab services onto a single floor, and moving surgical services from three floors to two. These changes will improve efficiency, enhance patient flow, and create the necessary space to expand the children’s mental health unit and establish the CPEP.

The investment also enhances critical equipment, introducing the latest technology so patients have access to the most advanced care available. This includes the purchase of a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator for the Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center. This advanced technology enables physicians to deliver highly precise radiation therapy that targets tumors more effectively while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue, giving cancer patients in the region access to cutting-edge treatment close to home and reducing the need for extensive travel. The Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center is the only dually accredited cancer center serving the North Country, a distinction earned through accreditation from both the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology.

Driving Strategic Improvements for the North Country

This recent round of grant funding builds on substantial prior investments from the State of New York awarded in the spring of 2024. In partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), CHMC was awarded $5 million to expand the Elizabeth May Duvall Children & Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit, the region’s only acute inpatient mental health facility dedicated to treating children and adolescents, ages 5 to 17. This much-needed expansion will add 10 new beds to meet the growing demand for children’s mental health services in the North Country.

Additionally, CHMC received a transformative $6 million grant to establish the region’s only Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). This new program will create a dedicated, safe space where individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can receive immediate, specialized, and compassionate care. It will also help relieve pressure on local emergency departments, ensuring individuals in crisis receive the support they need, when they need it most.

This recent Statewide Transformation IV grant award, building on the significant mental health investments made in spring 2024, reflects the State’s strong endorsement of CHMC’s and the North Star Health Alliance’s (NSHA) unwavering commitment to compassionate care and innovation in mental health.

A Shared Commitment to Community Health

"These investments demonstrate a clear commitment from New York State to ensuring the long-term stability of rural healthcare in the North Country," said Richard Duvall, President and CEO of NSHA. "We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Office of Mental Health for their partnership and support. Their dedication makes it possible for us to expand access to critical services, modernize our facilities, and strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve."

Strengthened by this vital state support, these funds position Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and the North Star Health Alliance to secure the future of healthcare in the North Country, expand essential mental health services, and keep advanced treatment options close to home. By investing in local resources, these projects ensure residents can access exceptional care without leaving the region. This latest transformation grant reaffirms New York State’s commitment to CHMC and NSHA in delivering compassionate, innovative, and sustainable healthcare for the communities they serve.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Contact:

Jessica Bowline

Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Director of Grants Development

North Star Health Alliance

Phone: 315-544-0575

Email: jbowline@nshany.org

About Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center

Established in 1855, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) holds the distinction of being the first hospital in the North Country. In October 2024, the Medical Center transitioned into a standalone psychiatric hospital, dedicated to providing acute inpatient mental health services for both adults and children. The center includes 28 beds for adults and 12 beds for children and adolescents, ensuring critical access to specialized care for the region.

The Elizabeth May Duvall Child and Adolescent Behavioral Center, located within the Medical Center, is the only inpatient facility of its kind in the region. With plans to expand by 10 additional beds in the near future, the center is addressing the growing demand for high-quality mental health services for young patients. CHMC continues to honor its proud legacy by delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to support the well-being of families throughout the North Country.

About North Star Health Alliance

The North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) is a collaborative system of healthcare organizations in Northern New York, committed to elevating community health and well-being. Members of the NSHA include Carthage Area Hospital (CAH), Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC), Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus (Claxton Campus), North Country Orthopaedic Group (NCOG), and Meadowbrook Terrace Assisted Living Facility (MBT). By working together, we aim to enhance accessibility and affordability of care, deliver exceptional medical services, and strengthen our local health infrastructure. United in our efforts, we are committed to keeping healthcare local to ensure sustainable, patient-centered healthcare solutions for our communities.