PHOENIX HOUSE CEO RESPONDS TO $1.1 BILLION SETTLEMENT WITH OPIOID DISTRIBUTORS

NEW YORK, NY (07/20/2021) (readMedia)-- This morning, it was announced that three opioid distributors have reached a settlement agreement with New York state to resolve lawsuits filed over their roles in driving the opioid epidemic. New York state, along with Suffolk and Nassau County, will receive $1.1 billion from three distributors - McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation. In response, Ann Marie Foster, CEO and President of Phoenix House of New York and Long Island, issued the following statement:

"Last week, the CDC announced that we lost more than 93,000 lives to drug overdoses in 2020 - a 29% increase from 2019, and the highest increase we've seen in decades. McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, and many other pharmaceutical companies and distributors who fueled the opioid epidemic are responsible for these unnecessary deaths.

"We can't bring back the lives that were lost, but we can make sure the $1.1 billion in settlement funds are put to good use. This settlement must be used to invest in the substance use treatment workforce that has been fighting for years to end the opioid epidemic, to fund peer recovery, and to support the infrastructure and technology that can enhance access to and delivery of quality care for people who struggle with addiction."

About Phoenix House

Since 1967, Phoenix Houses of New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Phoenix Houses of New York offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, medical, psychiatric, and dental services, and impaired driver programs. These services are designed to meet the individual needs of adults at various stages of recovery, including military personnel, and veterans. In addition, Phoenix House provides educational and supportive services to family members, friends, significant others, and the community.