Purdue Pharma, Sackler family agree to $7.4 billion settlement for opioid crisis role

CHARLOTTE, NC — A major win against big pharma. Purdue Pharma and the family who previously owned the company will have to pay more than $7 billion for it’s role in the opioid epidemic. It’s the largest settlement in American history.

“As of today, every state has agreed to a final settlement with Purdue pharma and the Sackler family in kicking off the opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson.

Jackson calls the $7.4 billion settlement announcement, his most important announcement as North Carolina’s AG.

“For years and years and years, they were spreading misinformation about the addictive nature, or lack thereof, of opioids. And it was all money driven,” said Kelly Little.

Little is the clinical supervisor at Dilworth Center in Charlotte. She’s seen the impact opioid addiction has played on a generation of people. She says the settlement provides a lot of opportunity for states around the country.

“It’s a lot of money. I’ll be interested to see how far the money goes,” Little said.

In North Carolina, between 2000-2020, more than 28,000 people died of opioid overdoses.

As part of the settlement, North Carolina will receive $150 million.

Mecklenburg county is slated to received the most at just under $7.8 million.

“We are in the process of hopefully being able to register or apply for some of the funding in this upcoming fall,” said Kevin Kayden.

Kayden’s part of the nonprofit, Full Circle Program, looking to get a slice of the settlement pie. His group works with teens and young adults struggling with addiction. He says about 40% of the people he helps struggles with an opioid addiction. Kayden says money from the settlement would go a long way.

“I want to be able to help the teenagers and young adults that are struggling in an early intervention stage of the substance abuse or mental health issues, because then as a result of that, it does. It sets them up for success long term,” Kayden said of how the nonprofit would spend potential settlement money.