Today, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that more than $60 million to combat the fentanyl epidemic will soon be coming to Washington. The funds come as a result of a comprehensive investigation into Walmart’s role in the opioid epidemic, specifically as a pharmacy provider. Notably, all eligible local governments have united in support of the Attorney General’s resolution, totaling $62.6 million. This substantial funding will be divided equally between the state and various local jurisdictions throughout Washington.
This resolution is part of the larger effort by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), which has successfully recovered $1.1 billion from 11 entities implicated in the opioid epidemic. Under the terms of the resolution, these funds are earmarked exclusively for combating the opioid crisis, with particular attention to addressing fentanyl-related challenges. Washington residents can access a detailed chart outlining the allocation of resources to their local governments. It’s worth mentioning that Walmart has committed to disbursing 97% of its share within the next few months, with the Legislature entrusted to determine the state’s allocation.
The Attorney General’s Office is also preparing for upcoming trials involving an opioid manufacturer and several pharmacies linked to the opioid epidemic. Attorney General Ferguson emphasized, “This is real money that funds real resources that will save lives. But I am not done here. My office still litigates active cases, which we will use to hold all companies that fueled the opioid epidemic accountable. My team is working to bring even more money and resources back to affected Washington communities.”
Due to unanimous support from eligible local governments, Washington is guaranteed the maximum amount of $62.6 million from this resolution. These funds will be distributed among local governments using the same formula as previous resolutions involving opioid distributors. Half of Walmart’s resolution funds will be allocated to eligible cities and counties in Washington, with the initial disbursement scheduled for the coming months. The remaining half is designated for the state, with a clear mandate for addressing opioid-related challenges.
For transparency, an updated list detailing the allocation resulting from finalized resolutions is available. The top five beneficiaries, along with their respective local governments, are as follows:
• King County: $112.5 million
• Pierce County: $52 million
• Snohomish County: $51 million
• Spokane County: $38.3 million
• Clark County: $29.3 million
As part of its commitment within the resolution, Walmart will closely monitor opioid prescriptions to prevent multiple prescription requests.
These funds allocated to Washington State are part of a larger $3.1 billion multistate resolution with Walmart.
Substantial support has already begun to flow into Washington. In October 2022, all 125 eligible local governments united behind a $518 million resolution stemming from Ferguson’s earlier lawsuits targeting opioid distributors. The state received its initial two payments of $82 million from the three largest opioid distributors. The more recent resolutions involving pharmacies and manufacturers are expected to significantly bolster future payments, estimated at approximately $45 million in the coming months. Local governments will determine how to best utilize their allocated funds.
The resolution with Teva, one of the opioid manufacturers, will provide naloxone kits distributed statewide by state agencies. Between 2024 and 2025, Washington State anticipates receiving a total of 54,120 naloxone kits, each containing two nasal spray devices. Naloxone is a critical medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses.
The allocation of the state’s share will be subject to the Legislature’s decision, which, during the 2023 legislative session, directed $64.1 million from the opioid payments. Key areas of support included prevention, treatment, and recovery services, support for tribal and urban Indian health programs, naloxone distribution expansion, and short-term housing vouchers for individuals dealing with substance use disorders.
According to the AGO, all spending decisions will align with the state’s Opioid Response Plan, with a focus on addressing the Fentanyl epidemic and implementing approved strategies such as improving treatment options, providing comprehensive support to individuals in treatment and recovery, addressing the needs of pregnant women and their families, preventing opioid misuse, and supporting first responders in the battle against the opioid epidemic.
