The deadline for local governments and counties in Michigan to register for their share of the $1.2 billion National Kroger Settlement is fast approaching on August 12. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging municipalities that have not yet joined the settlement to complete and submit their participation forms by Monday.
This settlement is expected to bring nearly $42 million to Michigan governments over 11 years, aiding efforts to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
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“The opioid crisis wreaked havoc on our communities, leaving men, women, and children forever changed,” Nessel said when announcing the settlement last month. “While this settlement cannot erase the profound impact the opioid epidemic continues to have on our state, it does represent a significant step toward holding companies accountable for the suffering they have caused. I urge every eligible municipality to register to receive these funds so this settlement can effectively reach our communities and help those most desperately in need.”
The settlement allows eligible local governments in Michigan, referred to as subdivisions in the settlement agreement, to participate. If enough local governments join, the agreement could take effect by early fall.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the opioid death rate in Michigan increased on average by 13.9% each year between 2000 and 2020.
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The resulting deaths—and the struggles of thousands with opioid addiction—have imposed considerable costs on the state’s health care, child welfare, and criminal justice systems. Beyond financial costs, the opioid epidemic has torn families apart, damaged relationships, and devastated communities.
Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused on combating the opioid epidemic and holding those responsible for it accountable.
This effort has led to over $1.6 billion in settlements for Michigan governments through agreements with various pharmaceutical companies and distributors.
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The funds are designated for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation. The Attorney General’s office has also launched a website dedicated to opioid settlement distributions, which includes an updated Opioid Settlement Payment Estimator worksheet now reflecting estimates from the Kroger settlement.
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