Capitol News

The deadline for Michigan municipalities to join the $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma National Opioid Settlement has been extended to October 30, giving local governments more time to complete their participation forms and qualify for direct payments. The extension could impact how much of the up to $154 million allocated to Michigan over the next 15 years is distributed, as participation by local governments influences the final amount.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urged eligible municipalities that have not yet joined the settlement to take advantage of the new deadline. "This extension gives local governments extra time to sign on to the Purdue opioid settlement and secure the resources their communities need," Nessel said. "I encourage every eligible municipality to complete its forms and take part in this $7.4 billion national settlement before the deadline."

Earlier this year, all 55 attorneys general agreed to join the Purdue settlement, resolving litigation against Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, related to their role in exacerbating the opioid crisis. Under this agreement, 279 local units of government in Michigan—referred to as subdivisions—are eligible for participation. The Department of Attorney General provides a list of these eligible subdivisions on its website and offers assistance via email for those needing help with participation forms before the October 30 deadline.

Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has prioritized addressing opioid abuse and holding accountable those responsible for fueling it. These efforts have resulted in more than $1.8 billion secured through settlements with several pharmaceutical companies and distributors including McKinsey & Co., Cardinal Health, McKesson Inc., AmerisourceBergen, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. Funds from these settlements are allocated toward treatment programs and other remediation efforts across state and local governments.

Recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows a significant decline in overdose deaths—a reduction of about 34% between 2023 and 2024—which equates to roughly 1,000 fewer fatalities during that period. State officials attribute this progress partly to ongoing investments in prevention initiatives funded by proceeds from national opioid settlements.