|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-910-9111
Hennepin County has agreed to participate in a nationwide settlement of claims brought against opioid distributors and manufacturers. Together with the proposed bankruptcy settlements of two opioid manufacturers, participation in the nationwide settlement could bring up to $50 million to Hennepin County to address the opioid crisis.
In addition, Hennepin County has reached an agreement with the State of Minnesota that will govern how settlement funds will be allocated to counties, cities, and the State. Up to $296 million would be paid to local governments and the State of Minnesota from the nationwide settlement. Counties and cities will directly receive up to 75 percent of that total amount, which is the second-highest allocation to local governments in the country.
“While we can never be fully compensated for the tragic toll of opiates on communities across the country, this is a significant step in the right direction. Minnesota counties will be allocated funds which reflect our role in providing support and resources for those who continue to be impacted," said Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene.
Funds are from proposed settlements with opioid distributors Cardinal, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. Funds are also expected to come from bankruptcy settlements with Purdue Pharma and Mallinckrodt plc.
State and local governments are expected to start receiving funds in 2022. They would continue receiving payments for nine years from Johnson & Johnson and over 18 years from distributors. The timing of any payments from Purdue Pharma and Mallinckrodt is still to be determined.
January 2 deadline for local governments to sign on
There is a deadline of January 2, 2022, for counties and cities to sign on to the agreement reached with the State of Minnesota and to the nationwide settlement.
The amount of money the state will receive depends on how many counties and cities sign on.
Money will go toward opioid crisis response
Local governments will use the money to respond to the opioid crisis. Hennepin County's response includes primary prevention, response and treatment and recovery. Read more about how the county is responding to the epidemic.
Hennepin County's lawsuit against opioid manufacturers, distributors
The county filed a civil lawsuit against several opioid manufacturers and distributors in 2018. This lawsuit remains consolidated before a federal judge in Ohio. In all, 27 counties in Minnesota and six cities have brought similar litigation
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
|
