Opioid Settlement Priorities Committee Launched By Bellone

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on Thursday signed an executive order to form an intra-agency committee tasked with developing priorities related to the settlement agreements the county is receiving from opioid distributors, manufactures and pharmacies. The first committee meeting is set for 2 p.m. Thursday.

"These settlement agreements can never bring back the loved ones that have been lost to this terrible epidemic, but our hope is that with this funding we will be able to prevent future tragedies and end this crisis once and for all," Bellone stated. "This committee will work with key stakeholders to ensure that the settlement monies are being put to best uses, including treatment, recovery, and enforcement efforts."

The committee will reach out to key stakeholders within the substance abuse community, including non-profit service providers with expert-level experience in harm reduction, prevention, treatment and recovery services. The committee will also seek to engage with families of addicts, addicts in recovery, victims’ advocates and other people with meaningful experience related to surviving the opioid epidemic.

The committee will be tasked with producing a final guidance document, which must include direction on how funds received through settlement agreements should be allocated. The form must also prioritize short and long-term goals.

The Intra-Agency Committee to Develop Priorities Related to Settlement Agreements with Opioid Distributors and Pharmacies will include the following county personnel:

• Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of the Department of Health Services.
• Jennifer Culp, assistant commissioner of the Department of Health Services.
• Cari Besserman, director for alcohol & substance abuse services, Department of Health Services.
• Frances Pierre, commissioner, Social Services.
• Stuart Cameron, acting commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department.
• Dr. Odette Hall, medical examiner.
• Thomas Branco, acting director, Probation.
• Amy Keyes, chief of staff.
• Jon Kaiman, deputy county executive
• Dennis Cohen, county attorney
• Presiding Officer Robert Calarco
• Legislator Sarah Anker
• Legislator Thomas Donnelly
• Legislator Bridget Fleming
• Legislator Kara Hahn
• Legislator Kevin McCaffrey
• Legislator Jason Richberg
• Sheriff Errol Toulon

Suffolk County was the first county in New York to sue drug makers in connection with the opioid crisis and has since reached a multi-million dollar settlement agreement with three major opioid distributors: AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., and McKesson Corporation, and major retail pharmacies including Walmart, CVS, RiteAid, and Walgreens.