Attorney General Todd Rokita is distributing $44.7 million to Indiana cities, towns, and counties this week as part of the latest round of funding from opioid settlements secured under his administration. These settlements were obtained from companies accused of contributing to the state's opioid crisis through irresponsible or unlawful actions.
"The scourge of opioid abuse and overdose has inflicted such unspeakable pain on so many Hoosiers," Attorney General Rokita stated. "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 distributed this week stem from settlements with Allergan, Teva, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart. Additionally, a small payment was received from pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. In total, Indiana is expected to receive over $925 million from all opioid settlements secured by Attorney General Rokita.
Local governments have significant discretion in deciding how to utilize the funds. The settlement money supports local law enforcement efforts, drug task forces, regional treatment hubs, early intervention and crisis support programs aimed at combating substance abuse and overdose. Guidelines are available on Attorney General Rokita’s website.
The settlement framework involves a 50-50 split between the state and local governments. The $44.7 million sent to local communities—along with approximately $2.6 million in attorney fees paid to litigating subdivisions’ counsel—represents half of the nearly $95 million remitted by pharmaceutical companies for this round of payments. The remaining 50 percent goes to the State of Indiana. Local communities are encouraged to seek information regarding the state's share and take steps to obtain additional funds.
Details on estimated payments for each community over an 18-year period can be found on the Office of Attorney General's website: https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/
A headshot of Attorney General Rokita is available for download.