More counties in Pennsylvania have joined a federal settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said that 50 counties, including five of the six largest counties, have agreed to join the settlement against drug distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen and drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. The state is expected to receive over one billion dollars over the payment period for the settlement, including up to $232 million next year.
Shapiro said that over 5,100 people were killed due to drug overdoses last year in Pennsylvania, and he added that the settlement will provide a boost to programs that help those that have been struggling with substance abuse to find treatment.
Earlier this month, the Indiana County Commissioners approved a resolution to have the law firm of Marcus and Mack move forward with agreements concerning the federal opioid lawsuit on behalf of the county.
17 counties have yet to sign on to the agreement, and they have until next month to do so.
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