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\u201cMy concern about this letter, I think you’re sending a message to the public that it’s the Wild West of anything you can get your hands on, take it,\u201d said Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health<\/a> in Polk County. \u201cThat message bothers me as a physician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While spotlighting the two treatment options that are proven to work \u2014 the vaccine and monoclonal antibodies \u2014 she took aim at parts of the letter, written by Neil Combee, that alleged unproven conspiracy theories and government cover-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere’s no conspiracy that we want people to be sick, and that’s very hurtful to me as a physician,” Jackson said. \u201cIvermectin has not been proven yet to be effective for this condition. More people are experiencing adverse effects. I strongly advise the public not to self-medicate with ivermectin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commission ultimately decided that it wouldn\u2019t be sending the letter right away. Combee agreed to revise it based on feedback he heard at the meeting and bring it back for a future vote in two weeks. It’s unclear what will be changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stands by his belief that a letter of some kind is necessary. He was a state representative when legislation passed in 2015 that gives citizens the right to try alternative drugs whose use is “off-label” in the event of a terminal illness. Combee said he believes that right is being denied residents during the pandemic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt’s about people\u2019s right to try anything that might work,\u201d Combee said. \u201cYou have the right to try any drug regardless of whether your doctor agrees or not. The doctor’s opinion is not the final word, the citizens have the final word on their own health.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added, “The FDA hates right-to-try. But even if the FDA hates it, it’s still law of the land.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Commissioner Bill Braswell agreed. \u201cI think people prefer false hope over death. I understand your medical way of looking at it, but people want a Hail Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n People in the large crowd Tuesday applauded comments like these, but audibly groaned and mumbled when the health department and hospital leaders gave differing statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahead of the meeting, the Republican Club of Solivita and Winter Haven 912, a “group of patriots with conservative values,” according to its website, rallied support for the letter in emails. The majority who spoke during public comment time favored Polk County sending this message up the chain to Tallahassee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the speakers turned and told the audience, \u201cThose masks you\u2019re wearing; take them off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Commissioner-Combee.jpg?resize=214%2C285&ssl=1\")