Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has announced a $1.37 billion national settlement with Kroger, addressing the role of the grocery chain's pharmacies in the opioid crisis. Oregon is set to receive up to $40 million for opioid abatement, with payments expected to start early next year.
Kroger has also agreed to implement measures that require its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. The company operates stores under its own name and subsidiaries in 36 states, including Fred Meyer and QFC stores across Oregon.
"This settlement with one of the pharmacy giants in Oregon is a crucial step forward in the rebuilding of trust between Fred Meyer and its pharmacy customers in Oregon," said Attorney General Rosenblum. "I’m proud of my team, led by David Hart, Assistant Attorney in Charge of Opioid Litigation and Recovery/Pharmaceutical Fraud, for its role in leading these negotiations. The funds provided will help communities across Oregon respond to and recover from the opioid crisis, though the damage done and the lives lost can’t be undone."
In 2022, Oregon established an Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (PTR Board), managed by the Oregon Health Authority. This board oversees 45% of funds allocated for substance use disorder treatment and recovery services within the state. The remaining 55% goes directly to cities and counties for similar purposes.
Over the past three years, the Oregon Department of Justice has participated in ten multi-state agreements with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains. These efforts have secured billions nationally and over $645 million for Oregon dedicated to opioid abatement and recovery.