“I commend the extraordinary efforts of New York Attorney General James who reached a historic settlement along with 15 other states to hold Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. While this resolution is certainly imperfect, as it will shelter the Sackler Family and associates from future opioid-related lawsuits, it will shut down the Oxycotin manufacturer, force the Sacklers to provide critical documentation about the drug company's inner workings, and, most importantly, secure approximately $4.2 billion, with $200 million coming to New York State.
This resolution, along with New York's recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson for $230 million, will play a crucial role in holding irresponsible pharmaceutical companies accountable for their part in fueling our country's opioid epidemic, which has left millions of American families including thousands in our State mourning the untimely death of their loved ones. Earlier this year, the Governor signed my bill to establish an Opioid Settlement Fund, which will ensure the funds New York receives as settlements will be used for their intended purpose - funding substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services.
While this settlement will not bring back those we lost, it will bring us one step closer to overcoming this horrific epidemic. However, we must continue to push for bold measures to protect New Yorkers, prevent overdose deaths, and help those struggling with substance use, including establishing Overdose Prevention Centers in New York. We can pass my bill or hope the Governor keeps his promise to authorize these centers through executive action."
No comments:
Post a Comment