Holding Big Pharma Accountable for the Opioid Crisis
February 21, 2018
Every day, more than 115 Americans die from overdosing on opioid drugs. In the past two decades, Portland, like the rest of the country, has seen a dramatic increase in opioid use, addiction, and overdose deaths.
Today, Nick was proud to join his Council colleagues in directing the City Attorney to take legal action against manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioid drugs.
The lawsuit has two goals.
First, it will help us recover some of the costs Portland has spent on fighting this crisis in our community.
Second, it makes a statement as we join communities across the country calling for accountability from Big Pharma.
Special thanks to former Commissioner Steve Novick, who shared the story of his brother’s death from opioids, and the City Attorney’s Office for their work on this important issue.
You can read Nick's statement during the vote here.