California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued guidance to local governments on how to effectively use opioid settlement funds to combat the ongoing opioid and fentanyl crisis. This initiative comes after securing nearly $50 billion through nationwide settlements and bankruptcies, with California expected to receive up to $4.2 billion.
Bonta emphasized the significant impact of the opioid epidemic, stating, "The opioid epidemic, fueled by prescription opioid painkillers and fentanyl, continues to devastate families, communities, and lives across this nation." He stressed that these funds should support comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.
The crisis has been ongoing since the 1990s when it began with an increase in deaths from prescription opioids. In 2022 alone, over 10,900 Californians died from overdoses; nearly 6,500 were attributed to fentanyl. Fentanyl is noted for being particularly potent and deadly even in small doses.
These settlements aim to provide a sustained source of funding for California's cities and counties dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. The majority of these funds are earmarked specifically for abatement efforts.
Attorney General Bonta expressed hope for change through unified local government efforts: "With a united front of local governments statewide, we can not only put an end to this epidemic but also provide a pathway toward recovery and renewal."