Ohio AG rolls out new initiatives to address state opioid crisis — calls on drug companies to pay for them

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine introduced a package of initiatives Monday to address the state's ongoing opioid overdose crisis.

The plan — called "Recovery Ohio" — includes doubling Ohio's capacity for substance use treatment, creating 60 additional specialized drug courts and launching a statewide drug prevention media campaign, among other initiatives.

"Ohio is in crisis," Mr. DeWine said. "At least 14 Ohioans are dying every single day in our state from drug overdoses. More people will die in Ohio this week than died in the devastating shooting recently in Las Vegas."

Mr. DeWine wants to fund the initiatives via settlements with the five drugmakers named in the state's opioid epidemic lawsuit filed in May. The attorney general on Monday called on Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson and Allergan to come forward within 30 days to begin settlement solutions. Mr. DeWine also delivered letters to three drug distributors — Cardinal Health, McKesson Corp. and Amerisource Bergen — asking the companies to come forward and also contribute to the "Recovery Ohio" initiatives.

"While there is no amount of money that can bring back the thousands of our fellow Ohioans who have died or take away the pain of their families, these drug companies must be held accountable," Mr. DeWine said.

More articles on opioids: 
Ohio nursing college to host educational event on nurse's role in combating opioid crisis 
New Jersey files opioid epidemic lawsuit against Purdue Pharma
Trump's opioid panel issues final report: 5 things to know

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