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Attorney General Nessel Renews Call for Local Governments to Sign on to Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Before Deadline

LANSING – The deadline for local governments to receive funds from the $7.6 billion Purdue Pharma National Opioid Settlement is September 30. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding eligible municipalities that have not yet joined the settlement to complete and submit their participation forms before the deadline. Michigan governments stand to receive up to $154 million over the next 15 years, which is dependent, in part, on the participation of local governments.

“While I am proud of the work that my office has done to help secure this settlement, its impact will be measured by how effectively these funds reach the local communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis,” said Nessel when encouraging local government participation last month. “It is my hope that every eligible local government participates so these dollars can save as many lives as possible.”

In June, Attorney General Nessel announced that all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, agreed to sign on to the Purdue settlement, resolving litigation against Purdue and its owners, the Sackler family, for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis. The settlement allows 279 local units of government in Michigan – called subdivisions in the settlement agreement – to participate. The Department of Attorney General has a full list of eligible subdivisions on its website. Eligible subdivisions should have received a participation packet on August 7, 2025.  Those subdivisions that need assistance with their participation forms may email the Department for additional instructions before the September 30 deadline.

Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused intently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis, resulting in more than $1.8 billion to Michigan governments through settlements with McKinsey & Co, Distributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The money is distributed to the state and local units of government for Opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation.

Analysis of provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 – about 1,000 fewer deaths. This continued progress reflects the impact of sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts – many of which are made possible through additional funding received as a result of Michigan’s participation in the national opioid settlements.

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