Nassau Lawmakers Propose Special Fund To Treat Opioid Addiction

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County Legislature Republicans have proposed legislation that would create a fund to combat opioid addiction, using money the county is receiving from a lawsuit settlement with Johnson & Johnson.

The county is part of a first of its kind lawsuit which kicked off today in federal court in Central Islip. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is leading a lawsuit and is joined by many municipalities, including Nassau County, trying to hold drug manufacturers accountable for the opioid epidemic. Johnson & Johnson was originally named in the suit, but settled out of court last week.

As part of its settlement, Johnson & Johnson will pay the state $230 million, and has agreed to stop selling opioid products across the country. Part of the settlement money will be coming to Nassau County, though it's unclear how much.

The legislation that was proposed would create a special revenue fund that would take the money from the settlement, and any future money stemming from the lawsuit, and make sure it is put toward ending opioid abuse in the county, officials said.

“Today’s creation of the Special Revenue Fund will bring Nassau County one step closer to ending the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic,” said Legislator Rose Marie Walker, who is the chairwoman of the Legislature's Health Committee. “These much-needed funds will go towards educational programs, programs to help those who are currently addicted, and programs to help get these opioids off of our streets. We want to send a clear message to the residents of Nassau county that we are committed to doing everything in our power to take on these drugs that have ruined our communities, broken up families, and continue to put our children in harm’s way.”