Michigan's AG Nessel Urges Local Governments to Join $1.2 Billion Kroger Settlement to Combat Opioid

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LANSING, MI — With the deadline fast approaching, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is renewing her call for local governments and counties to participate in the $1.2 billion National Kroger Settlement aimed at addressing the devastating opioid crisis. The deadline for registering to receive funds is August 12, and Nessel is urging all eligible municipalities to complete their participation forms promptly.

Significant Funds for Michigan

The settlement, announced last month, will bring nearly $42 million to Michigan over the next 11 years. These funds are crucial for addressing the widespread impacts of opioid addiction and overdose deaths, which have significantly strained the state's healthcare, child welfare, and criminal justice systems.

“The opioid crisis wreaked havoc on our communities, leaving men, women, and children forever changed,” Nessel stated. “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. I urge every eligible municipality to register to receive these funds so this settlement can effectively reach our communities and help those most desperately in need.”

The Scope of the Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the opioid death rate in the state increased on average by 13.9% annually between 2000 and 2020. The crisis has caused immense personal suffering, tearing families apart and devastating communities, while also imposing substantial financial costs on public services.

Efforts to Combat the Crisis

Since taking office in 2019, AG Nessel has made combatting the opioid epidemic a top priority. Her efforts have resulted in settlements totaling over $1.6 billion for Michigan governments. These settlements, with companies such as Publicis, McKinsey & Co, and major pharmaceutical distributors and retailers, provide funds for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation across the state.

A recently launched website dedicated to opioid settlement distributions includes an updated Opioid Settlement Payment Estimator worksheet, which now incorporates estimates from the Kroger settlement. This tool aims to help local governments understand the potential financial support available to them.

Call to Action for Local Governments

For the Kroger settlement to become effective, there must be sufficient local government participation. AG Nessel’s call to action emphasizes the importance of every eligible municipality joining the settlement to ensure the funds can be effectively distributed and utilized.

Conclusion

As the August 12 deadline approaches, the urgency of AG Nessel’s call for participation underscores the critical need for local governments to act swiftly. The Kroger settlement offers a vital opportunity to provide much-needed resources to combat the opioid crisis, support those affected, and help rebuild Michigan communities devastated by opioid addiction.

For more information on how to participate in the settlement, local governments can visit the Attorney General’s website dedicated to opioid settlement distributions.