Florida’s Surgeon General, who is known for his stance against vaccines, stepped in during a medical emergency at a press event hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday. The incident occurred when Republican state Senator Ileana Garcia collapsed mid-speech while promoting a new measure that would prohibit the fluoridation of public drinking water in the state — a bill DeSantis is expected to sign into law.
While addressing reporters, Garcia began to appear unstable and paused to alert those around her. “Governor, forgive me, I’ve got to sit down, because I am not feeling well,” she said before beginning to faint. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the state’s Surgeon General, quickly moved to steady her, preventing her from falling and helping her into a seat, as DeSantis and other officials rushed to her side.
Despite the scare, Garcia soon returned to the podium and resumed her remarks. “Are you kidding? This was my moment,” she said. “Nerve-wracking, but this was my moment. And I so appreciate your grace, Governor DeSantis.”
Dr. Ladapo has served as the state’s chief medical officer since 2021 and has drawn criticism for opposing mainstream COVID-19 medical guidance. He has previously referred to the vaccines as the “Antichrist” and has pushed claims — debunked by scientific experts — that the vaccines corrupt human DNA.
In addition to his vaccine stance, Ladapo has voiced strong opposition to water fluoridation, recently stating that the practice amounts to “public health malpractice.”
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{Matzav.com}