PHILADELPHIA, PA – Walmart has agreed to settle a national lawsuit that alleges the company’s policy on opioid prescription drugs had part in the nation’s drug and overdose epidemic.
According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a multi-state case against the company has been settled with Walmart to resolve allegations that the company contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores.
The settlement states Walmart will pay more than $3 billion nationally, with Pennsylvania to receive an estimated $120 million, to help fund treatment resources in impacted communities.
“In addition, Walmart has agreed to make significant improvements in how their pharmacies handle opioids. State attorneys general on the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments, and Walmart have agreed to this settlement, and it is now being sent to other states for review and approval. Pennsylvania is estimated to receive $120 million from this settlement,” the Attorney General’s Office said in a statement today.
“Too many families have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic, and too many people have lost years of their lives to addiction,” said AG Josh Shapiro. “My office is determined to hold accountable the companies that created and fueled this crisis. Companies like Walmart need to step up and help by ensuring Pennsylvanians get the treatment and recovery resources they need. This deal with Walmart adds to the important progress we’ve already achieved through our settlements with the opioid manufacturers and distributors – and we’re not done yet.”
The funds will be
The settlement will be used to provide treatment and recovery services to people struggling with opioid use disorder.
The states are also suing Walmart and CVS under a similar claim.