Baltimore has secured a significant legal victory in its ongoing battle against the opioid crisis. On August 9, 2024, Mayor Brandon Scott announced a $45 million settlement with CVS for the company's role in fueling what the city has described as the worst opioid epidemic in the nation. This settlement is the second of its kind in 2024, following a similar $45 million agreement with the pharmaceutical company Allergan in June.
Between 2006 and 2014, CVS distributed opioids like hydrocodone to its own pharmacies in Baltimore, contributing to the city's devastating opioid crisis. Though CVS's share of the market was only about half a percent, its involvement has had lasting consequences for Baltimore's communities. The city's litigation also targets other major pharmaceutical companies and distributors responsible for over 80% of the opioids supplied to Baltimore, including Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Walgreens, among others.
Mayor Scott emphasized that these companies prioritized profits over the health and safety of Baltimore residents, causing immense harm to neighborhoods and families. The city’s decision to pursue CVS individually, rather than joining a global settlement with the state of Maryland, has proven successful. The settlement ensures Baltimore will receive the full $45 million this year, rather than split payments over decades, as would have been the case under a global settlement.
With this latest settlement, Baltimore has now recovered $90 million through its legal efforts. This amount matches what the city would have received under all available global settlements, demonstrating the strength of its case against the opioid companies. Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson confirmed that the city is prepared to take any remaining defendants to trial if they refuse to acknowledge their role in the crisis and contribute to the resources needed to address the damage they've caused.
CBS news noted that the opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on Baltimore, with the Baltimore City Health Department reporting 1,079 drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in 2021 alone, 973 of which were related to fentanyl. The city's legal actions are part of a broader effort to hold accountable those responsible for this crisis and secure the funds necessary to combat its ongoing effects.
Mayor Scott and his administration remain committed to pursuing justice for Baltimore and ensuring that every company involved in driving the opioid epidemic is held responsible. The city’s aggressive legal strategy has already yielded significant results, and Baltimore is poised to continue its fight until all those who contributed to this public health disaster have paid their fair share.
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