Two Freestone Medical Center’s Staff Physicians Appointed County Health Authorities in Freestone and Leon Counties

On January 4, 2022, the Honorable Leon County Judge Byron Ryder visited the Leon Health Clinic to swear in Dr. Michael Jenks as the newly appointed Leon County Health Authority. One week later, on January 11, 2022, the Honorable Freestone County Judge Linda Grant visited the Freestone Health Clinic to swear in Dr. Joseph Berger as the newly appointed Freestone County Health Authority.

Freestone County Judge Linda Grant swears in Dr. Joseph Berger as the newly appointed Freestone County Health Authority. 

John Yeary, CEO of Freestone Medical Center, sees these appointments as another opportunity to serve the citizens of Freestone and Leon Counties. “The Freestone Medical Center family is pleased and honored to be a part of the Buffalo, Fairfield and Teague communities, offering quality primary care services to our friends and neighbors here and to the greater Freestone and Leon Counties, “ says Mr. Yeary. “We believe in being active in the community and serving when and where we can make a difference.”

Leon County Judge Byron Ryder swears in Dr. Michael Jenks as the newly appointed Leon County Health Authority. (Submitted Photos)

Established during the 79th Texas Legislative session, Health Authorities (HA) serve as a critical part of the state’s public health system. The Health and Safety Code establishes and defines a Health Authority in Texas as a physician appointed under the provisions of Chapter 121, to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction. Health Authorities are considered an officer of the state when performing duties to implement and enforce laws that protect the public’s health.

Dr. Jenks sees patients at both the Leon Health Clinic in Buffalo, TX, and Freestone Health Clinic in Fairfield. Dr. Berger sees patients at the Freestone Health Clinic in Fairfield. The Freestone Health Clinic and Leon Health Clinic, both services of Freestone Medical Center, are primary care clinics with appointments available Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jenks or Dr. Berger, call 903-389-2181.