MORGANTOWN — It looks as though just under $1.5 million of the $400 million settlement reached by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and drug distributors McKesson, Amerisource Bergen and Cardinal Health is coming to Monongalia County.
The Monongalia County Commission approved the necessary documents Wednesday to receive that payout, which will take place over 12 years.
Morrisey’s office announced the agreement earlier this month as the latest in a string of settlements with companies sued over claims that they fanned the flames of the state’s opioid crisis.
In March, the commission approved paperwork to participate in the distribution of a $26 million settlement between the state, Endo Health Solutions and Par Pharmaceuticals.
And just like that lawsuit, most of the $400 million payout from this latest settlement — 72.5% or $290,000,000 — will go to an 11-member panel known as the Opioid Foundation, which will, among other things, provide funds for statewide programs, innovations, research and education.
That body will include five members appointed by the governor and approved by the senate and one member from each of the state’s six regions.
Monongalia, Preston and Marion counties fall in Region 4, along with Braxton, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, Tucker, Barbour, Randolph, Gilmer, Doddridge and Upshur counties.
Another 24.5% ($98,000,000) has been allocated for disbursement to the state’s counties and municipalities based on percentages included in the settlement terms.
Locally, those percentages, and estimated settlement payouts, include: Monongalia County (1.487% – $1,468,726); Preston County (.8811% – $863,478); Granville (.1649% – $161,602); Morgantown (.1330% – $130,340); Star City (.0414% – $40,572); Westover (.0094% – $9,212); Blacksville (.0003% – $294).
The funds provided to local governments must be used to combat addiction and overdose through expanded training and distribution of naloxone, promotion of prevention programs and support for medication-assisted treatment, among a number of other options.
The final 3% ($12,000,000) will be held in escrow by the attorney general’s office until Dec. 31, 2026, then split among the Opioid Foundation and local governments.
Commission President Tom Bloom said he was hopeful some of the local share could be used to support Hope Hill Sobering Center.
Bloom said there should be news regarding the center’s opening in Hazel’s House of Hope in the next week or so.
In other news from Wednesday’s meeting, members of the commission commented on the announcement that Sparkz will build its lithium-ion “gigafactory” near Bridgeport, in Taylor County.
For much of the site selection process it appeared as if Morgantown was the frontrunner.
Commissioner Jeff Arnett said that while it’s not the preferred outcome, the location is close enough to draw employees from Monongalia County.
“I’m pleased it’s in North Central [West Virginia],” Bloom added. “We would have liked to have it here, but we’re trying to share the wealth.”
