COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – As the Branch County Board of Commissioners considers joining ongoing litigation in the national opioid crisis, they heard a second presentation during their work session Thursday from a representative of a Detroit law firm.
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of several Michigan cities and counties against 21 drug companies, distributors and pharmacies in an attempt get back the expenses involved.
Lisa Esser from the firm of Sommers and Schwartz said they are part of a national consortium. She said over 337,000 pills were distributed in Branch County during the first quarter of 2015
She also pointed out 519 pounds of prescription pills have been collected by the Branch County Sheriff’s Department during the past year. It’s not known how many of those pills were opioids but Esser said there were 268 opioid overdoses in Branch County between 2013 and 2016.
She pointed out Narcan administrations is a cost that could be recouped as part of the litigation.
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance has responded to the litigation. Senior Vice President John Parker recently said “The misuse and abuse of prescription opioids is a complex public health challenge that requires a collaborative and systemic response that engages all stakeholders. Given our role, the idea that distributors are responsible for the number of opioid prescriptions written defies common sense and lacks understanding of how the pharmaceutical supply chain actually works and is regulated. Those bringing lawsuits would be better served addressing the root causes, rather than trying to redirect blame through litigation.”
Commissioners plan to hear at least one more presentation before making a decision on whether or not the county will be part of the legal action.
