New Albany Opts Out of State Deal with Opioid Makers

Mayor Gahan and the City of New Albany have joined other cities in the fight to bring justice to the people of New Albany who have been trapped in addiction brought on by national drug distributors.

At this morning’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the City of New Albany approved opting out of the state of Indiana’s settlement with opioid makers and distributors. The settlement would absolve the opioid makers and distributors from future lawsuits, and would force local governments to surrender any current or future claims against the opioid providers.

Other cities around the state, included Fishers, Noblesville, South Bend, Lafayette, and others have also opted out of the settlement, many citing that they expect to receive less money from the state settlement than they would by pursuing their own lawsuits against opioid makers and distributors.

“The opioid crisis has devastated communities across the state of Indiana, and it has taken a horrendous toll on the people of Floyd County,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

In 2018, Indiana University completed a study that showed the opioid crisis cost Floyd County $1 billion. A 2019 report by the Washington Post also shows Floyd County as being one of the worst counties in the United States for prescription opioid abuse, with more than 47 million prescription pain pills entering Floyd County from 2006 to 2012. Additionally, 4 out of 5 heroin addicts began their addiction on legal, prescription pain medications.

“Southern Indiana residents do not need to take a backseat in this fight,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Large drug companies need to be held accountable for the damages they have brought to our families and neighbors.”

If you are suffering from addiction brought on by prescription use, please contact your physician. If someone you know is addicted to prescription opioids please encourage them to contact their doctor or call for help. Here are some additional resources that may be of help:

Indiana Addiction Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Call 2-1-1. (2-1-1 is a simple way to connect to food, shelter, and housing assistance, counseling resources, and more throughout Indiana)

Our Place Drug and Alcohol Services: https://www.ourplaceinc.org/

Additional reading on this topic:

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2019/7/23/mayor-gahan-shares-information-about-opioid-crisis

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/opioidlawsuit