Warren enters into more opioid litigation efforts
Last August, 21 News explained Trumbull County was awarded $344 million dollars in an opioid settlement case to properly address the effects caused by a major drug epidemic. While Warren is still in the process of receiving a portion of that settlement, yet another opioid litigation involving Warren could bring millions of more dollars to the city.
"It's just a multistep process and this is one step in the process," explained Greg Greathouse, 3rd Ward Councilman sponsoring the legislation.
Wednesday's council meeting brought a unanimous emergency vote to enter into another opioid litigation settlement agreement. This would be the second litigation Warren is involved in, this time with drug manufacturers including TEVA, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart.
"There's no need to have a committee meeting for it," Greathouse explained. "It's, 'Will you take the next step in the process of receiving this money from the settlement."
Warren could once again receive millions of dollars to put towards drug addiction and recovery programs.
"There hasn't been any money received yet because this is the first step in the process," explained Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa. "Meaning, the court requires the local community's pass legislation by approving participation in the settlement."
Cantalamessa said the city is still unsure about how much of the $344 million dollars Warren is receiving from the 2022 settlement.
Councilman Greathouse said the impact the opioid crisis has had on the Warren community is substantial and added these potential funds coming in can help the city grow.
"It's devastated not only Warren, Ohio, but Trumbull County and the nation," Greathouse added. "It's just horrible what they did, it's unconscionable. Hopefully, this goes to address the long-term relief from some of the sufferings some of the citizens have had to endure."
Now that this was given the thumbs up by city council, the court will then approve the settlement and just how much communities like Warren will receive in this settlement.
"Any amount of money is not enough based on the damage the opioid epidemic has done in the State of Ohio and in particular the City of Warren," Cantalamessa explained. "So, it's never enough but it is an attempt at 'righting' a wrong."
Warren's Health and Welfare Committee will soon start discussing where these funds will go. Funds will likely go to existing drug addiction and recovery programs around the area.