In a major move for New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant have announced the city's intent to secure approximately $48 million from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, in a proposed settlement aimed at addressing the repercussions of the opioid crisis. This decision, as part of ongoing litigation that began in 2017, could lead to a total payout of $7.4 billion, with a significant portion directed toward states and local governments hit hard by the opioid epidemic.
According to details provided by the NYC Mayor's Office, the settlement includes $6.5 billion from the Sackler family and an additional $900 million from Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy estate, pending court approval. Purdue and members of the Sackler family were central to aggressive and misleading marketing practices of prescription opioids, that exacerbated the nation's addiction issues. Mayor Adams emphasized that this legal action is a step towards accountability and justice for communities ravaged by these malpractices and the resulting opioid crisis.
"The opioid crisis stole thousands of lives, tore apart countless communities, and devastated families across our city and the rest of the nation, and while nothing can replace all that we lost, we will never stop fighting until we bring justice to communities devastated by this crisis," Mayor Adams said. "At the heart of the scheme to hook Americans on opioids were the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma, and the potential for this $7.4 billion settlement will serve as an example of how New Yorkers can trust us to always hold those with power accountable when they break the law and harm our citizens," as per the NYC Mayor's Office.
The city's combat against the opioid crisis has been multifaceted, using funds from past settlements to expand services such as syringe programs and opioid overdose prevention centers. New York City has seen a promising decline in opioid-related deaths, with the third quarter of 2024 recording the lowest numbers since 2020. This progress aligns with Mayor Adams' "HealthyNYC" initiative, which targets an average lifespan extension to 83 years by 2030 for all New Yorkers by addressing various health challenges, including substance abuse.
Those seeking help for substance use issues in NYC have several resources available, including the 24/7 helpline 988 for confidential support and the "NYC HealthMap."
