La. Distributes Opioid Settlement Funds Amid Rising Deaths

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer

Louisiana is expected to receive $600 million in opioid settlement funds through 2038 as the state continues to address the growing impact of the opioid crisis. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 5,000 opioid-related overdose deaths were recorded in the state.

A report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor revealed that in 2023 alone, there were 1,083 opioid-involved deaths, marking a 92% increase compared to 2019. A parish-level breakdown showed that Jefferson Parish experienced the highest number of opioid-related deaths during this period, with a total of 960. Caddo Parish reported 70 deaths, while Bossier Parish recorded between 35 and 38.

To combat the crisis, the Louisiana Opioid Abatement Taskforce has disbursed $98.5 million in settlement funds across the state. According to a survey by the auditor's office, 20 parishes and 24 sheriffs have spent $8.6 million of those funds since September 2023.

Both Caddo and Bossier parishes received funding between 2023 and 2024. Caddo Parish was allocated $3.6 million, with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office receiving $904,054. Bossier Parish received $1.48 million, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office received $370,117.

Lt. Neil Johnston of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that the funds were used to purchase four patrol vehicles, body cameras, and dashboard cameras for deputies.

Louisiana’s settlement funds come from agreements with 15 opioid-related companies. Notable contributors include CVS ($69 million), Janssen ($66.4 million), and three major distributors; AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, totaling $287.8 million. Some companies, such as Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals, were listed without specified settlement amounts.

The Louisiana Opioid Abatement Taskforce is composed of five members, each representing the Louisiana Municipal Association, Police Jury Association, Louisiana Sheriffs Association, and Louisiana Department of Health. The fifth member is appointed by the governor.

According to the audit, settlement funds have been used for a range of programs, including support for adult and juvenile drug courts, outpatient addiction counseling, distribution of Narcan for overdose response, and DARE programs in schools.