How does the Purdue Pharma settlement effect local communities?

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – With the Supreme Court blocking the Purdue Pharma settlement, how does this effect not only the nation, but local communities?

With many leaders in the Appalachian region disappointed in the outcome, 59News traveled to Princeton to find out the effect of this on a local scale.

Mercer County Commission President, Bill Archer, said Mercer County already has some money, but the opioid epidemic is an issue that needs to be addressed.

“I know it is much for difficult for people to get those drugs that are really the culprit with Purdue Pharma. At the same time, the lasting effect is unbelievable. The money we have already gotten, we are planning to apply those to try to rebuild families and communities,” said Archer to 59News.

Archer told 59News that the opioid epidemic has effected many lives for a long time.

He said on Thursday, June 27, 2024 he is not sure which agencies this will affect since this happened recently.

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