Fact Check: The $7.4 billion settlement will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years.

Fact Check: "The $7.4 billion settlement will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years."

What We Know

A recent settlement involving Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family has been announced, totaling $7.4 billion. This settlement has been agreed upon by 55 attorneys general from all eligible states and U.S. territories. The agreement aims to hold the Sackler family accountable for their role in the opioid crisis and will provide funding to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over a period of 15 years (Attorney General James).

The settlement will see funds distributed directly to communities across the country, with New York expected to receive up to $250 million for opioid abatement efforts (AG Nessel). The first payment will consist of $1.5 billion from the Sacklers and approximately $900 million from Purdue, followed by additional payments over the next few years (AG Sunday).

Analysis

The claim that the $7.4 billion settlement will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years is backed by multiple credible sources. The announcement from New York Attorney General Letitia James explicitly states that the funds will be directed to support these initiatives (Attorney General James).

The settlement is described as the largest of its kind and aims to resolve litigation against Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers, who have been heavily criticized for their role in the opioid epidemic (AG Nessel). The funds will be allocated to local governments, affected individuals, and other parties involved in prior lawsuits against Purdue and the Sacklers, ensuring that the money is used effectively to combat the ongoing opioid crisis (AG Sunday).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they come from official announcements by state attorneys general and reputable news outlets. The consistent messaging across these sources reinforces the claim's validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the $7.4 billion settlement will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years is accurate. The settlement is designed to provide substantial funding to communities across the U.S. to address the opioid crisis, as confirmed by multiple authoritative sources.

Sources

1. Attorney General James Announces Every State Has Joined $7.4 Billion Settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family
2. AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Regarding Manufacture, Distribution of Opioids that Fueled Addiction Epidemic
3. AG Nessel Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement
4. Attorney General Phil Weiser helps secure $7.4 billion from Purdue
5. Carr: Georgia Joins National Settlement with Purdue Pharma
6. Attorney General Bonta Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Settlement
7. Purdue Pharma, Sacklers reach new $7.4 billion opioid settlement
8. States agree to $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma