Attorney General distributes $44.7 million to Hoosier communities in next wave of funds from opioid settlements

Attorney General Todd Rokita is distributing $44.7 million to Indiana cities, towns and counties this week in the next wave of funding from opioid settlements obtained under his leadership. Attorney General Rokita secured these settlements from companies that allegedly contributed to the state’s opioid epidemic through irresponsible and/or unlawful actions.

“The scourge of opioid abuse and overdose has inflicted such unspeakable pain on so many Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “No amount of money will ever compensate families for the loss of loved ones, but these settlements help prevent similar types of corporate irresponsibility from ever happening again.”  

The payments being sent this week result from settlements with Allergan, Teva, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart — along with a small additional payment received from pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen. Over the course of all opioid settlements obtained under Attorney General Rokita, Indiana is anticipated to receive more than $925 million. 

Local governments have wide discretion in choosing exactly how to use the opioid funds. The settlement funds support local law enforcement efforts, drug task forces, regional treatment hubs, early intervention and crisis support, and other important programs aimed at combating substance abuse and overdose. Guidelines can be found on Attorney General Rokita’s website. 

The settlement framework continues to be a 50-50 split between the state and local governments.  The $44.7 million sent to local communities — plus another approximately $2.6 million in attorney fees paid to litigating subdivisions’ counsel — represents 50 percent of the approximately $95 million in funds remitted by the pharmaceutical companies for this round of payments. The other 50 percent goes to the State of Indiana. Local communities are encouraged to seek information regarding the state’s 50% share and take steps to obtain additional funds. 

A listing of the payments estimated for each community for the full 18 years can be found on the Office of Attorney General website: https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/