O'Brien Praises Decision by Federal Judge in Opioid Trial
August 19, 2022
Sandra O'Brien News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula) today praised the recent decision by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster holding Walgreens, CVS and Walmart accountable for recklessly dispensing prescription painkillers in Lake and Trumbull counties.
The companies have been ordered to pay a combined $650 million to both counties with Trumbull County receiving $344.4 million over the next 15 years, and Lake receiving $306.2 million.
The pharmacies also must immediately pay the counties $86.7 million into a fund that will be monitored by a court-appointed administrator, who will ensure the money is spent on necessary programs to aid the counties’ recovery.
"The opioid epidemic has been a scourge on Ohioans, especially for those living in Appalachia. This decision is a small step toward healing, accountability, and justice for our community," O'Brien said. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and local officials to help heal our state and communities from this epidemic."
Between the years 2006 and 2012, more than 80 million opioid pills were distributed through Trumbull County, whose population at the time was slightly under 200,000. More than 60 million were dispensed in Lake County, which has a population of about 230,000.
The companies have been ordered to pay a combined $650 million to both counties with Trumbull County receiving $344.4 million over the next 15 years, and Lake receiving $306.2 million.
The pharmacies also must immediately pay the counties $86.7 million into a fund that will be monitored by a court-appointed administrator, who will ensure the money is spent on necessary programs to aid the counties’ recovery.
"The opioid epidemic has been a scourge on Ohioans, especially for those living in Appalachia. This decision is a small step toward healing, accountability, and justice for our community," O'Brien said. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and local officials to help heal our state and communities from this epidemic."
Between the years 2006 and 2012, more than 80 million opioid pills were distributed through Trumbull County, whose population at the time was slightly under 200,000. More than 60 million were dispensed in Lake County, which has a population of about 230,000.