TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Sheryl L. Bratton, County Counsel
REPORT BY: Jason M. Dooley, Chief Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Participation in the Remnant Defendants' Settlement Agreement with six regional distributors/dispenser defendants.
RECOMMENDATION
title
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute documents necessary to participate in the Remnant Defendants' Settlement Agreement with six regional opioid distributor/dispenser defendants, including: (1) Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies); (2) J M Smith Corporation; (3) Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; (4) Morris and Dickson Co.; (5) North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; and (6) United Natural Foods, Inc. (including its subsidiaries SuperValu and advantage Logistics). (Fiscal Impact: Increased Revenue; General Fund; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
body
BACKGROUND
In May 2018, the Board authorized a consortium of outside counsel involved in the nationwide opioid litigation to file a federal complaint on behalf of the County against 14 manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of opioid drugs. In June 2018, the County joined with numerous other public entities across the state and nation in filing a federal complaint against opioid drug manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. In July 2021, the County entered into a set of settlement agreements with the opioid manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson and the three largest pharmaceutical distributors of opioids, entitling it to a share of statewide settlement funds. In March 2023, the County entered into similar settlement agreements with two pharmaceutical manufacturers, Teva and Allergan, and three pharmacies, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. In August 2024, the County entered into a settlement agreement with Kroger. In August 2025, the Board authorized participation in three additional settlements: (1) Sandoz Inc.; (2) Purdue Pharma L.P. & Sackler Family; and ...
Click here for full text