Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
A Million Years Of Life Were Lost To Drug Overdoses From 2015 To 2019
Axios: Drug Overdose Deaths Claim Over 1 Million Years Of Life
Adolescents and young adults lost an estimated 1.2 million years of life due to unintentional drug overdoses over five years, according to a study published in JAMA. About 3,300 adolescents ages 10–19 years old died of an unintentional drug overdose in the U.S. between 2015 and 2019, representing about 187,078 years of life lost, researchers from Ohio State University said. That number rises to nearly 22,000 young people when expanding the age group to overdose deaths among those among 10–24 years old. Males collectively lost more years of life, the researchers said. (Reed, 2/1)
In more news about the opioid crisis —
Oklahoman: Tribes Reach $590 Million Settlement Over Opioid Claims
Native American tribes will receive a collective $590 million to settle claims that three drug distributors and drug maker Johnson & Johnson fueled the opioid crisis in Indian Country. The settlement — open to all tribes, regardless of whether they sued — will be paid over seven years, according to documents filed Tuesday in federal court. The deal marks the latest in a series of financial payouts to governments grappling with a surge of painkiller addictions and deaths. More than 400 tribes and tribal organizations had accused the prescription drug industry’s largest players of purposely flooding their communities with highly addictive opioids, causing overdose deaths and health care costs to skyrocket. (Young, 2/2)
ABC News: Sacklers 'Close' To Deal To Contribute Additional Cash In Opioid Settlement
The family that owns Purdue Pharma is “close” to an agreement that substantially increases its financial contribution to a nationwide opioids settlement, according to a new court filing. The filing from Judge Shelley Chapman, who is mediating a dispute between Purdue Pharma and states that objected to its bankruptcy reorganization plan, asked for an extra week to reach a deal. Tuesday had been the original deadline. (Katersky, 2/1)
Portland Press Herald: Maine To Receive $130 Million Over 18 Years In National Opioid Lawsuit Settlement
Maine will receive $130 million over 18 years as part of a national settlement agreement with manufacturers and distributors of addictive prescription painkillers whose practices contributed to a long-running and deadly opioid epidemic. Attorney General Aaron Frey announced the deal on Friday, although the initial terms were agreed to in August. The money will be used primarily to expand treatment and prevention efforts at the state and local levels. Some of the money will be shared with municipalities, counties and school districts across the state. (Eric Russell, 1/28)
