The counties poised to file lawsuits include Chisago, Hennepin, Mower, Ramsey, Steele and St. Louis. Additionally, the city council of Minneapolis approved a lawsuit Friday. The Minneapolis Fire Department has responded to more than 360 opioid overdose emergencies and administered more than 500 doses of naloxone since May 2016.
“The misrepresentations, deceptive and dangerous marketing practices, oversupply and failure to comply with federal reporting requirements of opioid manufacturers and distributors are among the leading causes of our current spiral of opioid-related addiction, overdoses and deaths,” said Susan Segal, city attorney for Minneapolis. “With the city council’s action today, Minneapolis will be joining with other cities, counties and states to seek redress and to put a stop to the dangerous practices of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.”
The city of St. Paul also plans to file suit, according to comments made by a mayoral spokesperson cited by the StarTribune.
More articles on opioids:
White House: Opioid epidemic’s actual cost tops $500B
Florida saw opioid overdose deaths surge 35% in 2016
Cardinal Health rolls out Opioid Action Program
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