The state had argued with cities and counties over disbursement of Oregon’s expected
The settlement, which would be the second-biggest in
As of just over one week ago, at least 45 states had signed onto the settlement or signaled their intent to, and at least 4,012 counties and cities had confirmed participation, according to plaintiffs’ attorneys.
The three drug distributors —
Plaintiffs' lawyers, who have been working the settlement on the national level and urging cities, counties and states to sign on, applauded the breakthrough in
“As more communities join in from each state, the greater the funds these communities will receive," lawyer
In exchange for the payout, participating states, counties and cities would have to drop any lawsuits against the defendants and agree not to sue them in the future for the opioid epidemic.
But some feel the settlement isn't enough and doesn't cover the damage caused by opioids, which were overprescribed in massive numbers. In the
In
Some have already taken steps.
According to Rosenblum's office, the agreement between the state and local governments says:
— Almost half of Oregon’s share would go into a fund that would be used to study the availability and efficacy of substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services across the state. The funds would also be used to address treatment and prevention of substance use disorder, focused on statewide and regional programs and services.
— The remaining 55% of Oregon’s share would go directly to cities and counties to pay for prevention, treatment and recovery services at the local level.
“Every dollar we receive must be used judiciously and wisely,” Rosenblum said. “For starters, it will provide us with the ability to increase access to lifesaving treatment and recovery services and will support individuals and families who continue to suffer from substance use disorder.”
The settlement is second only to the
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