By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Baltimore City Councilwoman Danielle McCray (D-District 2), chairwoman of the Health, Environment and Technology Committee and Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 4) have announced upcoming legislative hearings on the opioid crisis.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Kyle Pompey / Baltimore City Council
Baltimore City Council Member and Chairwoman of the Health, Environment and Technology Committee Danielle McCray (D-District 2) schedules three hearings on the city’s opioid crisis.
Photo credit: Courtesy Photo
Conway said the initial meeting is aimed at getting an understanding of the opioid problem, talk about the data and get a better understanding of what the next steps may be.
“My hope is that everyone can be on the same page about what is happening today so we can all figure out what we should do moving forward,” said Conway.
Conway’s initial hearing is set for July 10 at 1 p.m. with the Public Safety and Government Operations Committee.
McCray’s three hearings, set for July 24, August 28 and Sept. 25, will continue her committee’s efforts to create a coordinated city government approach in addressing Baltimore City’s overdose crisis.
“As a lifelong Baltimorean, I have long recognized the severity of the overdose crisis in Baltimore. That’s why in 2021, I proactively introduced 21-0071R – Investigative Hearing – Developing a Coordinated Response to Baltimore City’s Overdose Crisis. I remain committed to collaboration and transparency in addressing this critical issue,” said McCray, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “The upcoming hearings are part of this ongoing effort to ensure all stakeholders are involved and informed. I also commend our city solicitor and legal team for achieving a historic $45 million settlement with Allergan Finance.
This monumental victory is a testament to our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for those affected by the opioid epidemic and using the resources effectively to combat the crisis.”
The committee held recurring hearings in 2022 and 2023.
Conway said members of the public will not be able to testify at his meeting due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Walgreens, CVS, Teva Pharmaceuticals and former Insys Therapeutics CEO John Kapoor.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) announced on June 10 that the city had reached a $45 million settlement with Allergan Finance, an opioid manufacturer.
“We are fully aware of the devastating toll that the actions of these defendants have taken on our city and we have shown our commitment to ensuring that they pay their fair share to tackle the harms they have left in the wake of their greed,” said Scott in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that every penny of this and any other amount recovered is put to its most effective and best use to combat the opioid epidemic in Baltimore City at all levels.”
According to the release, Baltimore received a larger settlement than the state of Maryland, which settled on $38 million earlier this year. The entire $45 million must be paid in 30 days.
“While that settlement does not bring back the people we lost, it is an important statement of our city’s values,” said Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen (D-District 1) during a city council meeting on June 10. “I’m grateful for Ebony Thomspon and the Scott administration for holding this company and others accountable for the harm that was done.”
The release assures that the current administration will do everything they can to address the opioid crisis in Baltimore and use the funds they get from litigation to decrease the impact of the issue.
To attend both hearings, those interested can go to the fourth floor of the Baltimore City Hall or watch online via Charm TV.
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