Michigan Attorney General Urges Local Governments to Sign Up for Opioid Settlements Before Deadline

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging eligible local governments to participate in a nationwide opioid settlement with eight pharmaceutical companies before the October 8 deadline. The settlement, worth $720 million, will distribute up to $24.5 million to Michigan governments, which will be used for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation. This is not the first time Michigan has received significant funding for its efforts against the opioid epidemic, with over $1.8 billion received through previous settlements. The state has seen a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024, with over 1,000 fewer deaths.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging local governments to participate in a nationwide opioid settlement with eight pharmaceutical companies before the October 8 deadline.
  • The settlement is worth $720 million and will distribute up to $24.5 million to Michigan governments.
  • The funds will be used for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation, building on previous efforts that have yielded over $1.8 billion in funding for Michigan.
  • Since 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused on combating the opioid epidemic, resulting in significant funding and a substantial reduction in overdose deaths.
  • The 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 is attributed to sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts made possible through funding received from opioid settlements.

Statistics:

  • $720 million: the nationwide opioid settlement with eight pharmaceutical companies.
  • Up to $24.5 million: the potential distribution to Michigan governments as part of the settlement.
  • 34%: the reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024, resulting in over 1,000 fewer deaths.
  • $1.8 billion: the amount of funding received by the state of Michigan through previous opioid settlements.
  • Over 1,000: the number of lives saved due to the reduction in overdose deaths.

Sources:

  • "Attorney General Nessel Urges Local Governments to Sign Up for $720 Million National Settlement from Eight Opioid Drug Makers Before October 8" (Michigan Attorney General's Office)