National Kroger Settlement brings funding to communities damaged by opioid addiction

(The Center Square) – Michigan’s local governments have until Aug. 12 to request funds from the $1.2 billion National Kroger Settlement on opioid abuse.

The Great Lakes state is expected to receive $42 million over the course of 11 years. Eligible communities, at the city or county level, can apply for the funding to be used toward drug abuse treatment. Agreements are expected to be effective by early fall.

Michigan previously received more than $1.6 billion in settlement funds from Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, McKinsey & Co., Publicis, Teva Pharmaceutical, Walgreens and Walmart.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state’s opioid death rates increased on average by 13.9% each year between 2000 and 2020. The state government hopes the settlement will be able to partially cover the financial toll addiction has taken on health care systems, families and the criminal justice system.

“The opioid crisis wreaked havoc on our communities, leaving men, women, and children forever changed,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “While this settlement cannot erase the profound impact the opioid epidemic continues to have on our state, it does represent a significant step toward holding companies accountable for the suffering they have caused.”