(WDNews) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a significant settlement as part of a nationwide $1.37 billion agreement with Kroger. The settlement addresses the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis, aiming to provide critical funds for opioid abatement across the state. Alabama will receive up to $19.8 million, with the first payments expected early next year.
“This settlement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to combat the opioid epidemic,” Marshall said, emphasizing the importance of directing funds to support affected communities.
The agreement includes measures requiring Kroger pharmacies to monitor and report suspicious opioid prescriptions, adding another layer of accountability to the company’s operations. With eleven Kroger stores across Alabama, this settlement builds on previous agreements totaling over $730 million from various entities held accountable for their role in the crisis.
Marshall previously urged local leaders to use these funds for long-term solutions, cautioning against any unapproved allocations that could jeopardize future settlements.
