ICYMI: Gendebien Convenes North Country Healthcare Leaders for Roundtable on Growing Crisis
May 4, 2026
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May 4, 2026
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ICYMI: Gendebien Convenes North Country Healthcare Leaders for Roundtable on Growing Crisis
Lisbon, NY – Last week, NY-21 congressional candidate Blake Gendebien convened a group of healthcare leaders and experts from across the North Country for a roundtable discussion focused on the mounting challenges facing rural healthcare systems and the urgent need for solutions.
The discussion brought together key voices on the frontlines of care, including Dr. Adam Jarrett, former Chief Medical Officer of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center; Arthur Webb of the Arthur Webb Group; Chris Hoy and John Rugee of the Healthcare Coalition for the North Country; Bill Powers, former chair of Glens Falls Hospital and affiliated with the Albany Medical Health System, as well as a founding member of Pros4Care; Dr. Arianne Wilson, a family medicine physician; and Dr. Wouter J. Rietsema.
Together, participants shared firsthand accounts of how rising Affordable Care Act premiums, proposed Medicaid cuts, and ongoing workforce shortages are impacting hospitals, providers, and patients across the region. The conversation highlighted serious concerns about hospital closures, the loss of maternity services, and increasing barriers to care for rural families – particularly seniors and veterans who rely heavily on local healthcare infrastructure.
Gendebien emphasized these challenges are already hitting the district, with hospitals at risk of closure and access to care shrinking as costs rise. The roundtable focused on practical solutions to take to Washington – expanding primary care, strengthening emergency and transportation services, increasing mental health support, and recognizing EMS as an essential service.
“Right now, in the North Country, we are on the edge of a real healthcare crisis – costs are going up, care is getting harder to find, and our rural hospitals are at risk,” Blake Gendebien “I’m running for Congress to take care of our neighbors by strengthening our hospitals and protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act so families can get the care they need.”
The roundtable is part of Gendebien’s ongoing effort to meet directly with community leaders, listen to the challenges they are facing, and develop real solutions to bring to Congress.
You can listen to the full roundtable HERE.
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