In response to the announcement that all relevant counties and municipalities in New Jersey have joined the State in signing onto a nationwide settlement agreement with the pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and three pharmaceutical distributors regarding their role in the ongoing opioid crisis, Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington) issued the following statement:
“This settlement represents an important development in our State’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. New Jersey is on track to receive the maximum amount available to us under this settlement, which means well over $600 million will soon be available to fund critical treatment programs needed to counteract the public health crisis plaguing our communities. These monies must be directed to evidence-based programs with proven track records. This funding will help improve and, ultimately, save the lives of countless people throughout our state.”