City, towns in Graham County agree to opioid settlement

Thatcher Vice Mayor Ashley Smith and Mayor Randy Bryce review the documentation for the proposed settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The Town Council unanimously agreed to participate in the settlement. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

THATCHER — All the governmental agencies in Graham County have agreed to the state-negotiated settlement with pharmaceutical companies and distributors over the opioid crisis.

The Thatcher Town Council was the last to take action locally, unanimously agreeing Monday to participate in the settlement agreement.

The settlement will bring in about $1.3 million to Graham County.

“That will not be in one lump sum; it will be somewhat front-loaded,” said Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett.

Thatcher expects to see about $110,000 from the funds coming into the county, and Pima will get about $42,000. Safford’s portion was not disclosed when the Safford City Council approved the resolution joining the settlement Oct. 11.

The funds must be used in some fashion related to the impact of opioids on the community, including for treatment, support for those in recovery, education and marketing of services available, and criminal justice services among others.

By entering into the settlement agreement, the state and all local governments have agreed to not bring any new lawsuits against the opioid manufacturers and distributors.

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