WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) today celebrated a major milestone for health care in the North Country following the announcement that North Star Health Alliance—parent organization to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital—has selected Rochester Regional Health as its strategic partner.

The partnership is a decisive step toward long-term financial and operational stability, ensuring that high-quality, essential health services remain accessible to families across Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. As a next step, North Star Health Alliance and Rochester Regional Health will collaborate on an application for a multi-year Safety Net Transformation Program grant through the New York State Department of Health to support the alliance's multi-year recovery and secure the future of care in the region.

"This is an incredible day for the North Country, and I am energized by the momentum we are building," said Assemblyman Scott Gray. "Our rural hospitals and clinics are essential to our communities. Partnering with a respected, highly experienced health system like Rochester Regional Health provides a clear path toward a stronger, more sustainable health care network. This is a massive step in the right direction, and residents can rest assured that there is much more positive progress to come in the months ahead."

Assemblyman Gray extended his deepest thanks to the local residents, health advocates and state leaders whose dedicated efforts helped bring this agreement to fruition.

"To the residents of the North Country who advocated passionately for our local facilities: Thank you," Gray continued. "Your dedication ensured our community’s needs remained front and center. I also want to sincerely thank the New York State Department of Health and the leadership at North Star Health Alliance for their collaborative, diligent work through this evaluation process. Their shared commitment to keeping these facilities open and viable for the long haul is invaluable. When local community passion meets state and regional collaboration, our whole region wins."

While discussions regarding formal affiliation structures proceed through regulatory processes, North Star Health Alliance confirmed that today’s announcement does not change how patients currently receive care. Area residents are encouraged to continue following their established care plans and attend scheduled appointments as usual.