By Beacon Staff
Des
Moines County will receive roughly $1.35 million from a $173 million settlement
reached between Johnson & Johnson and the state of Iowa for opioid-related
claims.
Des Moines County Attorney Lisa
Schaefer told the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7 that
the lawsuit involves a number of states, and the funds will be used
strictly for opioid treatment and prevention.
Burlington
city manager Chad Bird informed the Burlington City Council during a work
session Monday, Dec. 13 that the city has opted in for the money as
well, and will work with the county and local law enforcement to use the
funds.
The money will be paid out over the
course of eight to 10 years and will be disbursed starting next year.
Bird said the money is the result of two settlements which were part of $25
billion lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
The
lawsuit filed by government agencies alleges that Johnson & Johnson
and three of its opioid distributors downplayed the risks of opioids,
marketing them to physicians to treat chronic pain. Johnson & Johnson said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but the company has stopped selling opioids in the U.S.