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Lynchburg approves participation in opioid‑related settlements with manufacturers and Sackler family
Summary
Council authorized the city’s participation in proposed national settlements involving the Sackler family and multiple opioid manufacturers and directed the city attorney to execute documents to carry out participation; vote was unanimous.
Lynchburg City Council unanimously approved two resolutions authorizing the city to participate in proposed national settlements of opioid‑related claims, including settlements tied to the Sackler family and several manufacturers.
City staff summarized that the resolutions would allow Lynchburg to join a memorandum of understanding with other Virginia localities and participate in distributions through the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and related mechanisms. The resolutions cover proposed settlements with entities identified in the packet and the Sackler family; staff recommended approval to enable the city to share in settlement proceeds and related abatement programs.
Finance staff reported amounts the city has already received in opioid‑related funds. The transcript records a figure of $752,640.78 from the national Opioid Abatement Authority and additional grant receipts cited as $1,946,372 to Horizon Behavioral Health and $193,421.31 to Roads to Recovery, for a combined total stated as $2,139,793.31. Staff said adopting the resolutions would allow Lynchburg to take necessary steps to participate in the additional settlements.
Councilmember questions about the number of localities participating were noted; staff said they would provide updates as participation status changes. After a short presentation and with a motion and second on the table, council voted 7–0 to adopt the resolutions and direct the city attorney to execute necessary documents.
Why it matters: Participation in national opioid settlements affects how abatement funds flow to local treatment and prevention programs. Joining statewide participation arrangements can affect allocation formulas and program eligibility.
Next steps: The city attorney and finance staff will complete required documentation to effect the city’s participation and will report back to council as additional information about statewide participation becomes available.
Vote: Resolutions approving participation in settlements and authorizing execution of settlement documents — approved 7–0.
