The board unanimously passed legislation authorizing Westchester to join counties from across the country in suing pharmaceutical companies they say are responsible for the opioid crisis.
Eight counties -- including Dutchess, Rockland, and Orange -- allege unethical marketing practices by the pharmaceutical companies have contributed to people getting hooked on prescription painkillers and/or eventually developing a heroin addiction.
The county wants to be compensated for financial and other injuries as a result of the opioid epidemic. In Westchester, 334 people died from opioid overdoses from 2010-2015
“Nearly every person I encounter when discussing the epidemic in our backyard shares a story of a loved one they have lost, or that is fighting opioid addiction," said Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Hastings-onHudson), who introduced the legislation. "To attack this extremely destructive epidemic, we need to use every tool in our proverbial toolbox, and this is just one step. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to hold those responsible accountable.”
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