Community Rallies for Local Doctor

It was an emotional day in Perry County, as patients and friends rallied around a beloved doctor.

Dozens of community members made a very public display of support for local physician, Dr. Jeffrey Haggenjos, who earlier this week was released from his position with Genesis HealthCare System. Haggenjos has practiced medicine in New Lexington for nearly 40 years. No official word was given for his termination, leaving his patients desperate for answers.

“He’s so pivotal in our community, and we need a doctor like him, a doctor that cares that much about us, and so I’m going to stand up for him, I don’t know why Genesis let him go, but they should at least tell us, he’s our doctor,” said former patient, Jody Bowen.

As public outrage continues to escalate over his sudden departure, Haggenjos’ wife, Cherl, said her husband’s only concern at the moment is the well-being of his patients.

“He’s very worried about his patients, because for someone to just ax him and then bring in another group, they don’t know what’s going on with half of these patients, that’s what he’s concerned about,” she said.

Cherl said she’s elated by the outpouring of community support and told us her husband plans to re-open a new practice in the area.