Starke County will be receiving money from the multi-district, federal litigation against the manufacturers and distributors of highly addictive prescription medications in 2018.
The county joined the lawsuit, but later opted out because of some certain settlement structures. The commissioners agreed to opt back in last week after learning that all counties involved will be getting more of a settlement amount.
Starke County will be receiving $1,183,426.56 from defendants McKesson, Amerisource, and Cardinal Health, and $277,512.40 from Johnson and Johnson.
County Attorney Justin Schramm said the county needed to have all of the necessary paperwork approved by April 1 in order for the first distribution in April of this year.
A large portion of the funds will be restricted for use of providing opioid awareness and treatment programs and the other portion can be used for unrestricted purposes. County leaders will learn more as the funds are distributed.
