D.C. Part of $7.4B National Opioid Settlement

June 18, 2025

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced that all eligible states and U.S. territories have agreed to a $7. 4 billion national settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family over their role in the opioid crisis.

Who is affected

Residents of the District of Columbia, particularly Black men and residents of Wards 5, 7, and 8
Communities across the United States impacted by opioid addiction and overdoses
People suffering from opioid addiction and their families
State and territorial governments receiving settlement funds

What action is being taken

All eligible states and U.S. territories are agreeing to a $7.4 billion national settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers
The District's Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is providing recommendations on effectively utilizing settlement funds
Settlement funds are being allocated for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts
The Office of the Attorney General is securing funds from settlements with companies connected to the opioid crisis

Why it matters

The settlement holds Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family financially accountable for their role in the opioid crisis
It is the largest settlement to date involving companies and individuals connected to the opioid epidemic
The agreement will permanently end the Sackler family's involvement in Purdue and prevent them from selling opioids in the U.S.
Between 2021 and 2024, 1,740 opioid-related deaths occurred in Washington, D.C., with Black Washingtonians most affected
The District will receive more than $21 million over the next two years to address the crisis
Including this latest agreement, the Office of the Attorney General has secured nearly $104 million for the District from opioid-related settlements

What's next

A bankruptcy court hearing is scheduled later this month for final approval and distribution of the funds
The Sacklers will make subsequent payments of $500 million after one year, another $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer