7/24/18
by News Department on 07/24/18Lawsuit filed...
Schuylkill County, which has a soaring opioid-related death rate and spiraling related expenses in the millions, has filed a lawsuit against the nation's major drug opioid makers, distributors, and consulting physicians.
According to Skook News, the lawsuit alleges they must be held accountable for allegedly conspiring to deceitfully promote and market "the benefits of using opioids to treat chronic pain".
Schuylkill County's opioid-related deaths increased more than 130% from 2016 to nearly 60 last year. More than one-half million dollars alone has been spent on related detox health services, necessary training to first responders, and equipping them with lifesaving Narcan drugs to administer to the addicted.
Presently, the County receives no reimbursement for those direct costs.
The damages lawsuit was filed earlier this week.
