KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – While some counties have already received their money, Kalamazoo County is expected to soon receive nearly $1.6 million after Meijer reached a settlement related to opioid litigation.
Meijer is expected to pay the county a total of $2,075,000, but after attorney fees, $1,556, 250 will be available to the county.
Meijer will pay a maximum of $35 million in full settlement of all claims.
Michigan is receiving $800 million, to be allocated to state and local governments comes from a national $26 billion settlement with McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen, manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and their parent company Johnson and Johnson.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was authorized to spend $39.2 million of the initial payment to the state, and is expected to use the funding to continue to support evidence-based programming, including treatment providers, recovery supports, harm-reduction strategies, prevention programming, and other organizations that support those with substance use disorders.
Kalamazoo County has addressed the epidemic for the past five years, even creating the Kalamazoo County Opioid Coalition.
Kalamazoo County Public Information Officer Taylor Koopman says the money from the settlement is intended to be restitution and remediation for alleged damage or harm arising out of bodily injury allegedly caused by Meijer related to the distribution of opioids.
