By Mike Cason
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general on Monday to announce a $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger over the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis.
Alabama will receive about $19.8 million for opioid abatement. Payments are expected to start early next year.
“Alabama has taken a bold path to address the opioid crisis that is devastating communities around the state, and today’s announcement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to address this epidemic,” Marshall said in a press release.
“As these funds begin to flow into the state, my office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring accountability and directing these resources toward urgently needed support for communities affected by addiction.”
As part of the agreement, Kroger will require its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.
Kroger operates eleven stores across Alabama under its own name and its subsidiaries.
Alabama has previously reached settlements totaling over $730 million for Alabama in settlements with drug manufacturers and other companies over their roles in the crisis.
Last year, when the state and local communities began receiving the money, Marshall sent a letter to local leaders statewide emphasizing the importance of implementing long-term strategies and warning that any non-approved use of the settlement funds could cost the State future payments.
