Attorney General Fitch joined a coalition of overthirty state attorneys general announcing the completion of settlementagreements with Kroger, addressing the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis.Mississippi will receive up to $10,625,387 out of a $1.37-billion settlement,with payments anticipated to begin early next year.
"In Mississippi, the opioid epidemic has killed so many of our loved ones. Thissettlement with Kroger is an important step in holding everyone involved in theopioid crisis accountable for their role in the harm done to our families andcommunities," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "I am proud to be a partof this coalition driving toward solutions to the opioid crisis.
Together, we canaddress the harm already done and prevent more senseless deaths.In addition, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmaciesto monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioidprescriptions.Kroger operatesgrocery stores across Mississippi under its own name and itssubsidiaries, which include Harris Teeter, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Smith’s Foodand Drug, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Jay C, Pay Less,Baker’s, Gerbes, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, and Mariano’s.Over the past several years, the Attorney General’s Office has entered intosettlements with more than a dozen companies that played a part in creatingand amplifying the opioid crisis. These include manufacturers, distributors,pharmacy chains, and even companies that created the marketing plans thatfed the epidemic. In total, these lawsuits will bring over $367 million overeighteen years to Mississippi. Attorney General Fitch has proposed a plan tothe Legislature for using these funds to meet abatement requirements in thesettlement agreements, help Mississippi repair the damage from opioids, andmitigate future damage with prevention, treatment, and education.
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