The state of Georgia has signed on to a $3.1 billion national agreement with Walmart amid allegations that the retailer didn’t properly monitor opioids dispensing at its pharmacies; Georgia is expected to get $28 million in the deal, according to an announcement from Attorney General Chris Carr.
“The opioid epidemic has destroyed lives, families, and communities all across our state and nation,” Carr said in the release. “By joining this settlement, we will receive much-needed resources to help support Georgians in recovery and our neighbors struggling with addiction. This is one of several actions we have taken to help combat the opioid crisis, and we will continue to do all we can to address the damage it’s caused throughout our state.”
Georgia was not a party in the litigation against Walmart, but the retailer reached out to Georgia to participate in the settlement. The money will help fund treatment and recovery for those struggling with opioid use.
The settlement includes requirements to help improve oversight at Walmart pharmacies, including protecting employees from pressure to meet sales targets of controlled substances, and required reporting of questionable prescriptions.
“Walmart is proud of our pharmacists and our efforts to help fight the opioid crisis. Walmart strongly disputes the allegations in these matters, and this settlement framework does not include any admission of liability. Walmart will continue to vigorously defend the company against any lawsuit not resolved through this settlement framework,” the company said in a November press release.
The settlement comes as part of a series of national opioid-related settlements with companies including CVS and Walgreens, but Carr hasn’t announced if Georgia will participate in the settlements. In January, Carr announced that Georgia would participate in a $26 billion national settlement with drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and distributors Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen.
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Chris Carr” by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Background Photo “Walmart” by Random Retail. CC BY 2.0.
