(The Center Square) – Arizona is part of the national opioid settlement with Kroger, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Monday.
The Grand Canyon State will get $68.5 million for “opioid abatement,” according to a news release. The company, which owns Fry’s, a popular grocer in the state, also is legally agreeing to greater accountability with its pharmacies when it comes to opioids as part of an “injunctive relief.”
“Today’s settlement with Kroger is another step forward in Arizona’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” Mayes said in a statement. “My office will continue to do everything possible to hold accountable those responsible for this crisis – and we will continue to fight to protect Arizona families from the devastating impacts of opioid addiction.”
In total, 33 states were part of the settlement that cost $1.37 billion.
Whether it’s fentanyl poisoning or a prescription drug overdose, the opioid crisis continues to loom over Arizona and the nation. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, five people die each day from an opioid-related cause. The state government also noted that over 4,000 overdoses from the substance last year, including over 1,800 deaths.
