On January 23, 2025, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced a monumental $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, aimed at tackling the opioid crisis that has deeply affected communities across the state, including Smith County.
This settlement, the largest of its kind with individuals responsible for the opioid epidemic, is antipated to provide Tennessee with more than $90 million over 15 years. For Smith County, this could mean even more funding in addition to that already received through previous opioid litigation settlements.
Since earlier settlements, Smith County has seen disbursements totaling nearly $130,000, allocated to local organizations like The Emmanuel House, The Spot, the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition, and the Smith County Mentorship Program. These funds have been used for various initiatives focused on education, prevention, and rehabilitation, aligning with programs approved by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council.
Smith County anticipates that through these settlements, additional funds will be available through 2038, providing a resource over time to help combat opioid misuse. These funds could provide a lifeline to local programs dedicated to healing and preventing the devastation caused by opioids.
The settlement not only brings financial aid but also ends the Sackler family’s control over Purdue Pharma, ensuring that they can no longer sell opioids in the U.S. This agreement follows a series of legal battles, including a notable overturn by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024 of a previous settlement. The current deal focuses on consensual releases without offering the Sacklers automatic legal protection, marking a significant shift in how such cases are handled.
