KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo County’s new Opioid Task Force is up and running and preparing to dole out millions of dollars to local agencies fighting the addictions that have caused well over a million deaths nationally, and hundreds locally.
Drug manufacturers, distributors and drug store chains sued for irresponsibly marketing the addictive painkillers, have settled for billions of dollars.
Kalamazoo County joined the class action suits and will receive millions.
Deputy County Administrator Lyndi Smith says the settlement money comes with strings attached.
She says they don’t know the final amount they will receive yet as some cases have not been fully negotiated.
Many addicted by drugs like oxycontin turned to street drugs, and are now exposed to the threat of fentanyl, so the need for prevention and treatment has not eased.
The task force met for the first time Wednesday, and will soon be seeking 6 at large members from the community to fill out the panel.
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