Opioid Settlement Task Force

Opioid Settlement Taskforce

Berrien County Substance Abuse Resources

Community members seeking substance abuse resources can visit this webpage for more information, including local resources.

Background

In 2021, a $26 billion nationwide settlement was reached to resolve all opioid litigation with companies that were found to have contributed to the opioid addiction epidemic across the country. This settlement provided $4.4 million to Berrien County from pharmaceutical companies McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Jansen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson. Additional settlements with CVS, Walmart, Allergan, Teva, Walgreens, Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt PLC and Endo are expected to bring further funds to Michigan in the near future.

In October 2022 Berrien County began planning how to distribute approximately $250,000 annually over 18 years following the 2021 settlement.

 The opioid addiction epidemic is felt across the country, including in Berrien County. From 2019-2022, Berrien County saw a 115% increase in opioid-related deaths (see chart below). Funding from the settlement will help prevent substance abuse disorders, reduce opioid deaths and help individuals recover, all of which are vital for our community. 

Drug deaths

The Opioid Settlement Taskforce

To help facilitate and distribute opioid settlement dollars, the Berrien County Health Department has assembled the Opioid Settlement Taskforce, which includes individuals involved with the following organizations:

 The task force seeks to monitor opioid use data and collaborate to ensure equitable opioid settlement fund distribution. The task force will also utilize a collective impact strategy with multi-sector partners and monitor this strategy throughout fund distribution. This includes engaging with community partners through letters, surveys, monthly meetings and through the Health Department website and social media platforms.

Meeting Notes

Timeline

  • May-September 2023: Convene the taskforce – Currently meeting twice monthly.
  • September 2023: Present strategic plan and system of maintenance to Berrien County Board of Commissioners.
  • October-December 2023: Receive approval with review by the Board of Health.
  • January 2024: Begin Request for Proposal process.
  • March 2024: Funds distribution begins.

Contact Us

Community members are encouraged to reach out with questions, concerns or feedback regarding opioid settlements or the Opioid Settlement Taskforce.

Guy Miller, MPH | Health Officer | [email protected] | 269.926.7121 

Lisa Peeples-Hurst | Public Health Promotion & Prevention Supervisor | [email protected] | 269.927.5690

Berrien County Health Department 

2149 East Napier Ave.

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Documents and Resources