Opioid settlement could mean millions of dollars for Robeson County

May 8—LUMBERTON — Robeson County has joined more than 80 governments across the state in the fight against opioids, but hasn't yet signed an agreement that could bring in millions of dollars into the county to help do so.

Robeson County Attorney Rob Davis briefed Robeson County Commissioners on May 3 about ongoing opioid litigation matters in which the county is involved, but no action was taken once they emerged from closed session.

But, action could be taken soon in the matter, Davis said.

Attorney General Josh Stein and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners released the details of the agreement on April 30, calling it a "historic agreement to fight the opioid epidemic."

"The agreement governs how North Carolina would use the proceeds of any future national settlement or bankruptcy resolution with drug distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen and opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and Purdue Pharma," according to the joint press release issued by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and N.C. Department of Justice.

Funds from the national settlement, which has not been finalized, will be allocated in such a way that 15% would go to the state and would be appropriated by the General Assembly to address the epidemic, and 80% to all 100 counties and 17 municipalities, according to NCACC. Five percent of the funds will be put into an incentive fund to help motivate counties and large- and medium-size municipalities to sign the agreement.

Potential settlements could bring into the state $850 million over an 18-year period, according to the release.

"Local governments and the state are hopeful that a national settlement agreement with some of the companies involved in the MDL (Multi District Litigation) may be forthcoming, along with additional potential proceeds from a bankruptcy resolution involving opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma," the NCACC release reads in part.

There are 76 counties, and eight municipalities that are either involved in legal action or probing into opioid manufacturers or distributors, according to the release. More lawsuits are in progress across the United States.

"The opioid epidemic, in recent years, has taken the lives of more than 16,000 North Carolinians, torn families apart, and ravaged communities from the mountains to the coast," Attorney General Stein said.

"These companies helped to create and fuel this epidemic with irresponsible marketing and a lack of oversight, and they must be held accountable to help clean up this mess. I am working hard, along with fellow attorneys general across the country, to do just that. Should we prevail, today's agreement between the counties and the state is an important step toward getting much-needed resources to communities across North Carolina as they work to address the epidemic and its aftermath," the attorney general added in his April 30 statement.

Rob Davis said Robeson County could get $9 million, or possibly more to help in the fight against opioid addiction.

Among items the funding can be used for are "naloxone distribution, post-overdose response teams, treatment for Opioid Use Disorder," and more, according to NCACC.

"The sooner we settle it, the more money we have to use for that intended purpose," Davis said.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office recorded 51 overdose deaths this past year, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 25 overdose deaths recorded by the agency, he said Friday afternoon. Those deaths don't include overdose deaths in areas covered by other law enforcement agencies.

And the overdose calls keep coming in each day, he said. Deputies often use Narcan to help reverse the effects of an overdose and revive OD victims when they respond to the calls.

Wilkins said he is asking the Robeson County Board of Commissioners to consider adding the position of an opioid detective, who would specialize in drug investigations. Currently, the Sheriff's Office doesn't have the resources it needs to effectively combat drug trafficking in the county.

"That funding coming in would be huge if some of it was diverted for law enforcement uses," Wilkins said.

Robeson County Sheriff's Sgt. Hollis McNeill was involved in the Robeson County DWI Treatment Court program, which allows repeat DWI offenders the chance for reduced jail time, avoidance of a felony charge and a chance to get sober. The Robeson County District Attorney's Office is working on a similar program for people addicted to drugs.

At first, McNeill was skeptical of the DWI Court's impact, until he was part of a treatment team that supported participants, and celebrated the sobriety of three participants in April.

"We're changing people's lives," McNeill said.

He will help support participants of the drug treatment court just as he did for DWI Treatment Court, McNeill said.

"It's so rewarding to see these people where they are and where they go," he said.

"I feel like it's worth it," McNeill added.

All 100 counties, along with large- and medium-size municipalities have the opportunity to sign the agreement.

"We all know someone personally affected by this heartbreaking crisis, and local governments remain on the front lines of this epidemic, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. This historic agreement will ensure potential opioid settlement funds coming into North Carolina get to people in need quickly and effectively," said Ronnie Smith, NCACC president and chairman of the Martin County Board of Commissioners.

"I, along with our NCACC board of directors, urge all counties and our municipal partners to sign this groundbreaking agreement as soon as possible," he added.

Reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or via email at [email protected]