HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-22 RESOLUTION BY THE HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF KROGER OPIOID SETTLEMNET AND APPROVING SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDSRESOLUTION NO.2024-22
Harnett
COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
RESOLUTION BY THE HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF KROGER OPIOID SETTLEMENT AND APPROVING THE SECOND
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS
WHEREAS, the opioid overdose epidemic has taken the lives of more than 37,000 North
Carolinians since 2000; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the opioid overdose crisis, increasing
levels of drug misuse, addiction, and overdose death; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total economic
burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the
costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement; and
WHEREAS, Harnett County's drug overdose death rate in 2021 was 52 per 100,000 residents,
which represents 71 total deaths for that year and the drug overdose emergency department visit rate in
2022 was 206 trips per 100,000 residents, which represents 280 total ED visits for that year; and
WHEREAS, certain counties and municipalities in North Carolina joined with thousands of local
governments across the country to file lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, pharmaceutical distribution
companies, and chain drug stores to hold those companies accountable for their misconduct; and
WHEREAS, a settlement has been reached in litigation against the Kroger Co. ("Kroger") as
well as its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, and directors named in the Kroger Settlement; and
WHEREAS, representatives of local North Carolina governments, the North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners, and the North Carolina Department of Justice have negotiated
and prepared a Second Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds ("SAAF-2") to provide for the
equitable distribution of the proceeds of these settlements; and
WHEREAS, by joining the settlements and approving the SAAF-2, the state and local
governments maximize North Carolina's share of opioid settlement funds to ensure the needed
resources reach communities, as quickly, effectively, and directly as possible; and
WHEREAS, it is advantageous to all North Carolinians for local governments, including
Harnett County and its residents, to sign onto the settlements and SAAF-2 and demonstrate solidarity in
response to the opioid overdose crisis, and to maximize the share of opioid settlement funds received
both in the state and this County to help abate the harm; and
WHEREAS, the SAAF-2 directs substantial resources over multiple years to local governments
on the front lines of the opioid overdose epidemic while ensuring that these resources are used in an
effective way to address the crisis;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners
hereby authorizes the County Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into opioid
settlement agreements with Kroger, to execute the SAAF-2, and to provide such documents to Rubris,
the Implementation Administrator.
Adopted this the 5`h day of August, 2024.
WIC m oaAei:;
William Morris, Chairman
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Melissa"Capps' Clerk to th oard
(SEAL)