AG James: Monroe County, WNY could receive millions of dollars in opioid settlement money

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York Attorney General Letitia James Friday said Monroe County and the City of Rochester could receive millions of dollars in settlement money in cases against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

The cases involve James and both Suffolk and Nassau counties as part of a slew of litigation over an epidemic linked to nearly 500,000 deaths over the last two decades.

James made the announcement as part of a statement detailing talks with Monroe County Executive Adam Bello over the county’s ongoing crisis. The county reported 70 overdoses in July alone, 10 of them were fatal.

Settlement funds would come from cases including Purdue Pharma, where a $10 billion settlement was decided by a judge. Cases against Mallinckrodt, and Rochester Drug Cooperative are all now moving separately through U.S. Bankruptcy Court, according to James’ office.

James said the funding would be used for opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

She said the area could possibly receive millions more as a result of any additional settlements that may still come.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, click here for a list of resources in the area.