State Rep. Brent statement on opioid settlement benefiting Summit, Cuyahoga Counties

State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) responded today to the announcement that Summit and Cuyahoga Counties this week agreed to a $215 million settlement as part of the ongoing negotiations with major drug companies accused of creating and encouraging the opioid crisis in Ohio.

“It is no secret just how devastating the opioid crisis has been in Ohio and in Cuyahoga County in particular,” state Rep. Brent said. “Many families and communities have been negatively impacted by this epidemic and many lives have been lost. And while this settlement will not bring those lost back, it will go towards aiding families still dealing with this opioid crisis.”

Deaths by overdose have increased from 161 in 2012 to more than 700 deaths in 2017 and 560 in 2018.

If you or someone you know is in crisis due to opioid addiction, contact the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County at 216-241-3400 or www.adamhscc.org.