Georgia Secures Over $55 Million from Kroger Settlement to Combat Opioid Crisis

Attorney General Chris Carr announced today that Georgia and its local governments will receive over $55 million as part of a $1.37 billion national settlement with Kroger to fund opioid treatment, prevention, and recovery services. The settlement, which includes a coalition of 30 states, addresses claims that Kroger contributed to the opioid crisis. Kroger has agreed to increased monitoring and reporting measures at its pharmacies to track suspicious opioid prescription activity.

“The opioid crisis knows no boundaries, and it continues to devastate families and communities across our state,” Carr said. “We are securing resources to increase access to care and holding those accountable who contributed to this crisis.” The Attorney General highlighted that more than $1 billion has been obtained for Georgia through various settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies.

Opioid overdose deaths in Georgia have surged, with fentanyl driving a 308% increase in overdose fatalities from 2019 to 2022, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The settlement funds will support opioid abatement efforts statewide, addressing treatment and prevention programs.

Carr, who recently met with his Statewide Opioid Task Force in Richmond, Floyd, and Muscogee counties, underscored the ongoing statewide collaboration of over 300 partners to mitigate the impact of opioid addiction in Georgia.