AGENDA DATE: 8/7/2024
TITLE:
Title
Resolution Approving the County's Participation in a Proposed Settlement of Opioid-Related Claims
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve the County's participation in an Opioid Settlement Agreement with Kroger.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Rosenberg, Herrick, Sumner, Gardner
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2021, Virginia local governments and the Commonwealth of Virginia entered a memorandum of understanding relating to the allocation and use of litigation recoveries relating to the opioid epidemic. As additional settlements are made, Virginia local governments are being asked to participate in these agreements. On November 17, 2021, the Board approved the County's participation in both the Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and a settlement agreement with McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Janssen, and their related corporate entities. On March 15, 2023, the Board approved a second agreement, with manufacturers Teva and Allergan, and retail pharmacy chains Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Between September 2022 and June 5, 2024, the Board of Supervisors has appropriated opioid settlement funding totaling $531,223.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: A third agreement has now been proposed with Kroger. As part of a coordinated effort with other localities, the Virginia Attorney General's Office has provided a proposed resolution, adapted by the County Attorney’s Office (Attachment A), which would authorize the County to enter into this new Opioid Settlement Agreement. Appropriated funds from this settlement would be used for opioid abatement-related programming across a variety of County services.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact from this action. Disbursements from the settlement would be appropriated at future Board meetings once they are received.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached resolution (Attachment A) both to approve of the County’s participation in the latest proposed Opioid Settlement Agreement and to authorize the County Attorney to execute the necessary documents on the County’s behalf.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Opioid Settlement Agreement Resolution
B - Proposed Settlement Agreement