Walmart could pay millions to Washington state for role in opioid crisis

By Adam Smith December 14, 2022 7:01 am

KGMIFILE - In this Nov. 5, 2020 file photo, a woman pushes a shopping cart to enter a Walmart in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Walmart on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 become the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the toll of powerful prescription opioids sold at its pharmacies with state and local governments across the U.S. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A resolution between the state and one of the nation’s largest opioid distributors could bring millions of dollars to opioid recovery programs.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson says he will sign onto the resolution with Walmart, which would add nearly $63 million to those recovery efforts.

However, in order for the deal to be finalized, a majority of other states would also need to join the resolution agreement.

The money would be split between state, county, and local governments if approved.

The AG’s office has secured over $800 million so far from companies accused of fueling the opioid epidemic.