Michigan local governments have until September 30 to apply for a portion of the $7.6 billion Purdue Pharma opioid settlement. Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities that have not yet submitted their paperwork to do so before the deadline. The funds are intended to support local efforts to address the opioid crisis. According to a press release, Nessel emphasized the importance of these funds reaching communities impacted by the epidemic, stressing "its impact will be measured by how effectively these funds reach the local communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis."
With the deadline approaching, Michigan is expected to receive up to $154 million over 15 years, contingent on the participation of local governments in the settlement process. Without full involvement from all eligible local governments, the total amount of funds available may not be fully utilized. Nessel's office has been proactive in combating the opioid crisis since her tenure began in 2019, securing more than $1.8 billion for Michigan through various settlements related to the epidemic, as highlighted by the D.A.'s office. This pool of funds, contributed to by Purdue and the Sackler family, has been earmarked for use in opioid-use disorder treatments and other remediation efforts.
The settlement, which all 55 attorneys general representing states and U.S. territories agreed to, presents a pathway for 279 local units of government within Michigan to receive financial support. The Department of Attorney General's website lists eligible subdivisions and details the process for registering participation in the settlement. Remarkably, provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024, which signifies a drop of approximately 1,000 deaths.
Participation packets were sent to local governments on August 7. Those needing assistance with the forms are encouraged to contact the Department for guidance.
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