By Aila Boyd
Craig County supervisors voted Oct. 2 to enter two major national opioid settlements, joining localities across the country seeking compensation for the long-running impacts of the opioid epidemic.
The first settlement involves the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, who agreed to pay $6.5 billion nationwide. The second includes eight opioid manufacturers—Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun and Zydus—who will collectively pay $720 million.
The county attorney recommended participating in both settlements, which fall under the framework of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and the state’s existing settlement allocation agreement.
Supervisors voted unanimously for both measures, directing County Administrator Dan Collins to execute all necessary documents.