SAFFORD — With no discussion, the Safford City Council voted unanimously Monday to take part in the second round of settlements when it comes to the opioid crisis.
The new settlement agreement negotiated by the state involves the dispensers of opioids, including Walmart, Walgreens, Teva, Allergan and CVS.
“This agreement is very much like the preceding agreement,” said City Manager John Cassella. “And just as an FYI, we have received $58,000 so far from the first agreement. Those monies just started to arrive at the county; they go through the county and get distributed to us.”
The first settlement agreement was with the opioid manufacturers and distributors. The national settlement totals $26 billion, with Arizona receiving about $542 million over 18 years.
Under the One Arizona Plan, cities, towns and counties get 56 percent of the money and the state 44 percent, with money to go toward “opioid amelioration programs.”
The council’s agreement to participate in the settlement means the city is prevented from taking further action against the manufacturers, distributors and now dispensers of opioids.
