Introducing the Class of 2042: The North Star Health Alliance Welcomes New Beginnings

In 2024, the maternity teams at Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, both proud members of the North Star Health Alliance, were delighted to welcome a combined total of 499 babies into the world. Each newborn represents a new chapter full of potential and promise. By 2042, these tiny bundles of joy will have grown into proud graduates, ready to leave their mark on the world. We are honored to have been part of the beginning of their journeys.

Newborn Spotlight

We’re excited to announce the arrival of Dante Butch Rumpel, the first baby born at Carthage Area Hospital in the New Year! Dante arrived early, three weeks ahead of schedule, on January 1st, 2025, at 2:14 AM. His parents, Lidia Plummer and Kyle Rumpel, are delighted to welcome their son. The hospital staff congratulates the Rumpel family on this special occasion and looks forward to watching Dante grow.

North Star Health Alliance: Maternity Care You Can Trust

The maternity units at Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus offer exceptional care in the North Country, blending comfort, expertise, and personalized attention for mothers and their newborns. Both hospitals provide an all-in-one birthing experience, where labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care take place in the same room, ensuring a seamless and calming environment.

For mothers choosing natural births, this approach allows for uninterrupted care in familiar surroundings. In cases of C-sections, the dedicated teams at both hospitals prioritize the comfort and well-being of mothers, making the transition as smooth as possible.

Choosing a North Star Health Alliance hospital means selecting a warm, nurturing environment backed by a team of experts who are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care right here in our community.

Maternity Unit Features

Both Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus are equipped with:

• Modern birthing suites designed for comfort and functionality
• Observation rooms to support every step of the journey
• Jacuzzi tubs or stand-up showers in birthing rooms for added relaxation
• Comfortable accommodations for partners and visitors
• Comprehensive nutritional support and tailored menus for new mothers
• Personalized amenities to enhance the birthing experience

Award-Winning Care in the North Country

Carthage Area Hospital has earned national recognition for its labor and delivery services, consistently ranking among the top 5% nationwide according to Healthgrades. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus shares this unwavering commitment to excellence, providing trusted maternity care for families across Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Lewis counties. Together, these hospitals form the backbone of the North Star Health Alliance’s mission to keep healthcare accessible and close to home.

To support this mission, both facilities leverage advanced technologies and specialized teams, ensuring mothers and babies receive the highest standard of care. From prenatal services to postpartum support, every stage of the maternity journey is guided by compassionate professionals who understand the unique needs of each family. This integrated approach allows North Star Health Alliance hospitals to continue setting the standard for exceptional maternity care in the region.

Supporting Our Troops

The North Star Health Alliance is honored to support Fort Drum soldiers and their families by providing comprehensive maternity care. We warmly welcome military families at every stage of pregnancy, ensuring they receive the care they need. Understanding the challenges of relocating to a new duty station—especially while expecting—we’re proud to offer the support and services our military families deserve, just as they serve and support us.

Of the 499 babies welcomed in 2024, 127 were military dependents. This underscores our strong connections to Fort Drum and our unwavering commitment to supporting the families of service members. By welcoming the next generation of military families in the North Country, North Star Health Alliance hospitals proudly fulfill their mission of serving those who serve, providing unwavering support to the military communities that protect and inspire us. We look forward to growing our collaborative relationship with the Fort Drum community.

A Nurturing Start for Every Family

At both Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, maternity care is about more than exceptional medical services—it’s about creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for families to celebrate the arrival of their little ones.

From labor through postpartum recovery, mothers can rely on the continuity of care and the expertise of their trusted teams. The maternity units at both hospitals are designed to provide a seamless experience where families can focus on what truly matters: cherishing their first moments together.

To the future graduates of 2042: whether you were born at Carthage Area Hospital or Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, we are proud to have played a role in your first chapter. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll achieve. Look out world, because here they come!

North Star Health Alliance Labor and Delivery Locations

Carthage Area Hospital

1001 West Street
Carthage, NY 13619
315.493.1000

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus

214 King St.
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
315.393.3600