Samaritan Medical Center leaders have spent months cutting costs while revenue drops and spending grows. They furloughed employees, reduced salaries, and stopped construction. Elective surgeries were canceled, and at the same time, spending has increased on PPE and coronavirus testing. CEO Tom Carman said that has led to a $17.5 million deficit.

“We are the safety net for our communities," said Carman. "We are the largest provider north of Syracuse in between here in Plattsburgh, which makes it more unique and difficult for us. But we also serve Fort Drum, so we’ve got a very unique position.”

What You Need To Know


  • Samaritan Medical Center is receiving $2.5 million in federal aid

  • The hospital is facing a $17.5 million deficit, the CEO said

  • Samaritan missed out on CARES Act funding because it was considered "urban"

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik worked with HHS to change the formula

Samaritan did not originally get federal aid from the CARES Act. Its service area includes Fort Drum — and 30,000 soldiers and family members — so it is considered an urban hospital.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik worked with the deputy secretary of Health and Human Services to change the formula.

“Rural hospitals and community health centers are a part of the fabric of the community," said Stefanik. "Number one, they are economic drivers. It’s often the case that the hospital is one of the largest employers in the counties across the district.”

Samaritan is now getting $2.5 million in federal aid.

That’s a short term Band-Aid.

Carman says the money will help with operating costs.

“We have seen the volume, business, come back slowly week over week," said Carman. "We are still anticipating that it won’t come back fully. So we still have a significant deficit that we’re working our way through, so this will help us keep the operation running.”

Samaritan has already brought some furloughed employees back since elective surgeries resumed. Carman says he will bring more staff back when appropriate.