The nationwide $26 billion settlement includes Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen – the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – and Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured and marketed opioids.   

State’s Attorney Rinehart stated, “Today is an important day for Lake County. This settlement will help us move forward in fighting this public health crisis that has impacted all communities regardless of location, race, or economics. Now, because of Attorney General Raoul’s work, we can strengthen the work of local organizations like the Lake County Opioid Initiative and lessen the impacts of this epidemic in every corner of the county.” 

Lake County is expected to receive direct payments totaling nearly eight million dollars over the next 18 years. The payments are scheduled to begin this summer and will be distributed by the Lake County Board. Lake County will also participate in the creation of an Advisory Board that will make recommendations for the distribution of over $400 million separate from the direct payments. The board will prioritize the equitable distribution of the money in the Fund and consider factors including population, opioid usage rates, overdose deaths and the amount of opioids shipped into a region.

“More than 430 people have died in Lake County from a drug overdose since January 2018 when this lawsuit began. Make no mistake: the opioid overdose epidemic has come with catastrophic consequences, with the most devastating being the mass loss of life among Lake County families. Days like today remind me of the power that advocates have in pursuing justice on behalf of communities that have been significantly harmed.  We applaud Attorney General Raoul and Lake County State’s Attorney Rinehart for their dedication to pursuing even an ounce of retribution that will come with funding to provide services, supports, and safety for years to come. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can prevent further damage through this funding," said Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, Board Chair of Lake County Opioid Initiative. 

The Lake County Opioid Initiative is a countywide nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives impacted by opioid and other substance abuse. The Initiative’s leadership includes Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg, and representatives from NICASA Behavioral Health Services, NIRCO, and Live4Lali. 

“Tonight, anyone who has struggled with – or has a loved one who has struggled with - the stranglehold of opioid addiction can sleep a little easier knowing that these companies have also agreed to safety measures regarding the flow of this powerful drug,” said State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart.  

Rinehart concluded, “This settlement is an important step to making Lake County safer and fairer for all. It shows that no matter your zip code, help is on the way for those seeking to recover from opioid addiction.” 

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