Raleigh, NC – North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein sued companies that were profiting off addiction and overdose deaths — and he won. Now, North Carolina will receive more than $750 million dollars to treat opioid addiction with spending primarily directed by local governments.
The first payment from the settlement will hit North Carolina’s coffers this summer. To prepare, Attorney General Stein is traveling across the state to discuss spending plans with local leaders. The funding has been celebrated by police officers and health care providers who are on the front lines of the opioid addiction crisis.
“Far too many North Carolinians have lost a loved one or know someone who is suffering from opioid addiction. That’s why Attorney General Stein took on the corporations that were profiting off the opioid epidemic and won. His win forces these predatory companies to fundamentally change their business practices and secures the funding needed to transform our fight against the opioid addiction crisis. Undoubtedly this $750 million will save countless lives and provide hope to every corner of our state,” said NCDP Spokeswoman Rachel Stein.
Attorney General Stein’s settlement was negotiated over three years and is the second-largest multi-state agreement of its kind in U.S. history, behind the 1998 settlement with Tobacco companies. More than 20,000 North Carolinians have lost their lives to opioid overdoses.
In addition to the $750 million settlement there might be even more money on the way. Thanks to Attorney General Stein, North Carolina is also expected to receive nearly $19 million from a separate settlement.
What North Carolinians are seeing in their local news about the historic funding:
Winston-Salem Journal: Forsyth County will get $23 million out of $26 billion opioid settlement, state AG Josh Stein says.
Hickory Daily Record: Attorney General: Hickory, Catawba County to receive $14 million combined from opioid settlement
WRAL: Josh Stein meets with Robeson County leaders to discuss ideas for additional $9 million they’re receiving to combat opioid crisis
The Sylva Herald: Jackson County to receive $3.2 million to combat crisis, A chance to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic
The Fayetteville Observer: NC Attorney General: Cumberland County can help turn the tide on opioid epidemic
Davie County Enterprise Record: A trail of death: Davie getting $3.3 million to fight opioid crisis
The Graham Star: N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein Visits Graham County: April 28, 2022