Maximizing the Impact of Opioid Litigation To Address the Overdose Epidemic

THE U.S. IS AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN THE OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC. Overdoses are claiming more lives than ever, and proceeds from litigation against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies are imminent. If spent properly, these funds will support essential interventions to counter the devastating public health and societal consequences of the opioid epidemic. Stakeholders, including governments, advocates, researchers, and affected populations, must act to ensure that these funds are spent on services, infrastructure, and innovations that will be effective and respond to the needs of local communities.

In September 2021, Georgetown University Law Center convened an Opioid Litigation Summit. This convening brought together numerous experts to discuss the legal, administrative, and programmatic strategies needed to optimize the impact of proceeds from the opioid litigation. The themes described in this brief emerged from the Summit and can be applied to the opioid litigation as well as future mass tort litigation to address public health crises.

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