The Lassen County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday reviewed updates on national opioid lawsuits, underscoring the county’s continued involvement in efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the addiction crisis.
In a closed session, county counsel discussed two high-profile cases: the ongoing National Prescription Opiate Litigation against the Sackler family, pending in federal court in Ohio, and the bankruptcy proceedings of Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, in federal court in New York.
While supervisors reported no action taken during the session, the cases could carry financial and public health implications for Lassen County. National opioid settlements have already funneled billions of dollars into local governments nationwide to support addiction treatment, prevention, and education programs.
The board did not provide details on potential funding amounts or program use, but similar settlements have helped counties bolster mental health and recovery services.
