New Measures Introduced to Address Opioid Addiction and Support Veteran Communities in Alabama
A recent op-ed in the Alabama Daily News reports that over “the past three years, states have been receiving settlement funds from federal lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies.” The article notes that to date, Alabama has secured over $300 million, and experts expect that figure to continue growing. Funds are directed to the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund.
Prince Glover Hayes is proud to have offered legal assistance which led directly to contributions to the Opioid Settlement Fund. Last year, we were part of the legal team led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall that secured a $220 million settlement in Montgomery County Circuit Court against two opioid distributors, Cardinal Health and Cencora (formerly known as Amerisource Bergen). “Alabama and her citizens have been damaged immensely by the opioid epidemic,” PGH partner and Deputy Attorney General Josh Hayes said at the time. “Our firm is honored to have played a key role in this important litigation and hopes that this result will bring the recovery and healing that our communities need.”
Now, that money is being put to beneficial use.
The Alabama Legislature founded the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds in 2022. This commission is co-chaired by Senator Greg Albritton and Representative Rex Reynolds. After conducting four public hearings, the collaborative effort resulted in a statewide plan guiding the use of settlement funds through legislative appropriations and the Opioid Settlement Grant Program. Grants from this fund have led to some positive outcomes. The op-ed notes the following:
- “6,898 individuals served;
- 4,094 individual treatment services provided;
- 1,252 Narcan kits distributed;
- 1,000 Fentanyl test strips distributed;
- 13 pounds of medication collected;
- 83 coaching events.”
A second round of funding supported various initiatives, like Alabama’s 988 Crisis Line, a veteran’s pilot program, mental health courts, and more prevention and recovery programs.
In 2025, $41 million has been allocated to continue these efforts. And, $3 million is earmarked for these higher education institutions:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: $1 million for psychiatry residencies focusing on substance abuse in Montgomery and Huntsville
- Auburn University: $1 million to expand the School of Pharmacy and its K-12 substance abuse education program
- University of South Alabama Health: $1 million to enhance rapid response to opioid overdose outbreaks
To increase public awareness, the state also launched the “Opioids Take” campaign, featuring a website, billboards, and educational materials highlighting available treatment and prevention resources.
Additional resources are being provided to help officers identify and respond to addiction-related issues.
The Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee has also been established to support veterans dealing with substance abuse and mental health challenges to help make sure they receive the care and assistance they need.
With these comprehensive measures, Alabama aims to curb opioid addiction, support recovery efforts, and protect its veteran population.
Says Representative Rex Reynolds, “The bottom line is that the Legislature is working hard to maximize the impact of these dollars. One outcome that I’m so proud of is Alabama’s reduction in overdoses, which I largely attribute to the distribution of Narcan and access to services.”
Prince Glover Hayes is proud to have contributed to this success, supporting initiatives prioritizing prevention, treatment, and lasting recovery. Through collaboration and continued investment, Alabama is making meaningful progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic. To learn more about Prince Glover Hayes, contact us today for a free consultation.