Baltimore Settles in Walmart Opioid Cases
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 20:48
The mayor of Baltimore, representing the City, has endorsed a statewide settlement with Walmart to address the corporation's alleged involvement in the opioid crisis.
Baltimore's share of the settlement is estimated at slightly over $7.2 million. While declining to participate in broader statewide agreements, Baltimore remains committed to holding corporations accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic.
Attributing the opioid crisis to corporate greed, the mayor expressed the devastating impact on the city and communities nationwide. The settlement with Walmart is viewed as a step toward rectifying the damage caused. Although recognizing that the funds won't fully restore lives affected by addiction, the mayor emphasized the importance of accountability. The funds obtained will be directed toward addressing ongoing opioid-related issues in Baltimore.
The City initiated legal action in 2018 against various manufacturers and distributors, holding them responsible for perpetuating the opioid crisis within Baltimore. As one of the cities severely impacted by the epidemic, Baltimore's legal stance underscores the gravity of the situation for its residents and services.
Baltimore's decision to opt for the Walmart settlement over broader state agreements is justified by factors such as Walmart's smaller market share in the city and its absence since 2016. The City Solicitor highlighted that global settlements offered by other defendants would have resulted in significantly lower payouts compared to the damages caused.
Declining global settlements allow Baltimore to pursue its case independently, seeking fair compensation from opioid companies for the havoc wreaked on the city. The opioid case against multiple defendants is scheduled for trial in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City in September 2024.
In addition to the Walmart settlement, Baltimore received over $1.01 million from the Mallinckrodt bankruptcy settlement in November of the previous year. This underscores the city's multifaceted approach to seeking restitution from entities contributing to the opioid crisis.
Baltimore's engagement in individualized settlements aligns with its commitment to securing adequate compensation based on each company's responsibility and impact. The ongoing legal efforts exemplify the city's dedication to addressing the complex repercussions of the opioid epidemic and holding corporations accountable for their role in this public health crisis.
Opioid Crisis: Fentanyl and Meth Drive 'Fourth Wave'
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 21:02
The United States is currently grappling with what some experts identify as the "fourth wave" of the opioid epidemic, presenting increased risks for drug users and complicating efforts to tackle the nation's drug crisis.
This wave progression began with a crisis in prescription opioid use, followed by a surge in heroin consumption, and subsequently, a rise in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The most recent wave involves the concurrent use of multiple substances, primarily combining fentanyl with either methamphetamine or cocaine, according to a comprehensive report. One of the co-authors, also the vice president of clinical affairs at Millennium Health, emphasized the absence of a discernible peak in this disturbing trend.
The report, based on 4.1 million urine samples collected between January 2013 and December 2023 from individuals undergoing drug addiction care, revealed alarming statistics. The primary finding highlighted the prevalence of polysubstance use, with nearly 93% of fentanyl-positive urine samples containing additional substances.
Of particular concern is the significant uptick in the combination of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Methamphetamine, a highly addictive substance often in powder form with severe cardiovascular and psychiatric risks, was present in 60% of fentanyl-positive tests in the past year—a staggering 875% increase since 2015.
Additional key findings from the report include a nationwide spike in methamphetamine use alongside fentanyl, altering established drug use patterns. The complexity of polydrug use trends poses challenges for overdose treatments, given that there isn't an FDA-approved medication for stimulant overdose, despite the widespread availability of naloxone, an opioid-overdose reversal medication.
Moreover, the report indicates a decline in both heroin and prescribed opioid use alongside fentanyl. Heroin detected in fentanyl-positive tests has decreased by 75% since its peak in 2016, while prescription opioids were found at historically low rates in fentanyl-positive tests in 2023—a notable 89% decrease since 2013.