Kentucky, Indiana Secure $173 Million From Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlements

Kentucky is set to receive $73.1 million from a national $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, bringing the state's total recovery from opioid-related settlements to over $1 billion. The settlement ends the Sacklers' control of Purdue Pharma and their ability to sell opioids in the U.S., marking the largest settlement to date involving individuals responsible for the opioid crisis. Half of the settlement funds will be distributed by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, with the remaining half allocated to cities and counties. Indiana will receive $100 million from the settlement over the next 15 years to support addiction recovery programs, with most funds distributed within the first three years. Additionally, Kentucky has awarded $85 million in prior grants to 130 organizations combating the opioid crisis and recently announced a separate $5 million grant aimed at fostering new research and innovative approaches for opioid addiction prevention and treatment. These funds are intended to support both governmental and nonprofit organizations to implement scientifically backed strategies to reduce overdoses and save lives.