Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced on Tuesday the receipt of more than $100 million in opioid settlement payments from drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies who agreed to the financial compensation for their role in the opioid crisis.
The press release by Miyares’ office explained the latest round of payments totaled about $108.4 million of the $1.1 billion secured by Virginia in opioid settlements.
Miyares (pictured above) stated, “Thanks to the unwavering dedication of my Consumer Protection team, Virginia just received over $100 million in opioid settlement funds that will enable us to more effectively prevent, reduce, and treat addiction at a localized level.”
The largest payment reported by the attorney general’s office was from Walmart, at $61.6 million. Competing pharmacy Walgreens also paid just over $15 million, while CVS paid $7.8 million.
Payments also included $6.3 million from Teva, $7 million from Allergan, $5.2 million from Cencora, and $5.2 million from Cardinal Health.
About $17 million will go to the Commonwealth of Virginia, $59.2 million will be allocated to the Opioid Abatement Authority, and the remaining $32.2 million will be distributed to Virginia communities.
Miyares’ office previously announced the conclusion of the nationwide settlements with Teva, Allegan, CVS, and Walgreens last June when it was revealed the commonwealth would eventually receive about $366 million as part of the $17.3 billion settlement.
Virginia settled with Walmart in November 2022, and Miyares’ office announced that the commonwealth was similarly expected to receive $60 million as part of the $3.1 billion settlement.
The settlements come as polling shows Americans have lost trust in the pharmaceutical industry over the last decade. The majority of Americans now hold a negative view of the business, and just 18 percent view it positively.
Polling additionally found up to 80 percent of Americans blame the pharmaceutical industry for the opioid crisis.
Americans continue to suffer the consequences of mass opioid abuse, with more bars and restaurants across the country electing to stock Naxolone, which blocks opioids and cures overdoses when administered quickly.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jason Miyares” by Jason Miyares.
