|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, alongside a bipartisan coalition of thirty state attorneys general, announced Monday the completion of the $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger, addressing the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis. Alabama will receive up to approximately $19.8 million for opioid abatement, with payments anticipated to begin early next year.
“Alabama has taken a bold path to address the opioid crisis that is devastating communities around the state, and today’s announcement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to address this epidemic,” stated Attorney General Marshall. “As these funds begin to flow into the state, my office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring accountability and directing these resources toward urgently needed support for communities affected by addiction.”
In addition, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.
Kroger operates eleven grocery stores across Alabama under its own name and its subsidiaries, which include Harris Teeter, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Smith’s Food and Drug, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, and Mariano’s.
The settlement with Kroger is the latest action Attorney General Marshall has taken to combat the opioid crisis and to hold accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis. Prior to this settlement, the State had already reached settlements totaling over $730 million for Alabama to resolve claims against drug manufacturers and other entities over their roles in the crisis. Last year, after settlement funds began to transfer to the state and local communities, Attorney General Marshall sent a letter to local leaders statewide emphasizing the importance of implementing long-term strategies and warning that any non-approved allocations of settlement dollars could cost the State future payments from the opioid defendants.
The settlement between Kroger and the state of Alabama can be read here.
