COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County may join ongoing litigation in the national opioid crisis. The Branch Cuounty Board of Commissioners heard a presentation during their work session Friday from a pair of lawyers on the lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of several Michigan cities and counties against 21 drug companies, distributors and pharmacies.
Attorney David Mittleman said this is not a class action lawsuit.
He said there is no reason why Branch County should not recover the unnecessary expenses that have been created by the opioid crisis.
Attorney Paul Novak said between 2004 and 2015, there were 13 opioid-related overdose deaths in Branch County. In addition, a number of high school and middle school students have admitted to using opioids without a prescription.
Accorfing to Novak, 6.8 percent of high school students and 4.1 percent of middle school students admitted to using opioids without a prescription.
He also pointed out there has been a 61 percent increase in Branch County prescriptions since 2009.
Hillsdale County joined nearly 40 counties and five cities in the lawsuit last week. Since it was an information item, commissioners could not take action last Friday, but formal action is expected sometime in the near future.
