Washington County Commissioners passed a resolution of support concerning a national opioid settlement during their December meeting.
The resolution, which was unanimously passed by the Commissioners, authorizes the county to settle litigation against McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc.
County Administrator Dustin Peebles explained to Commissioners that several years ago, the Athens law firm of Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley approached the County about a lawsuit against companies that produce opioids and opiates.
“Everyone is well aware of the [opioid] epidemic of people using those things, abusing them, and dying from them,” said County Administrator Peebles. “It’s taken them [the law firm] a few years, but they’ve reached settlement agreements.”
County Administrator Peebles stated that in order to be a part of those settlements, the County must approve the resolution.
County Attorney Michael Howard added that the resolution signifies that the County joins in with those settlements.
“If we don’t join in, we have to seek some sort of settlement or resolution separately, which would be almost impossible to do,” said County Attorney Howard. “This resolution allows us to join in with other states, municipalities, and counties that are agreeing to settle.”
County Attorney Howard explained during the meeting that there is a fund of about $26 Billion that will be distributed nationwide.
“I don’t know what kind of money Washington County will get,” said County Attorney Howard.
After hearing from County Administrator Peebles and County Attorney Howard, Commissioner Frank Simmons moved to pass the resolution of support; Commissioner Doug Watkins seconded, and the vote carried unanimously.