PHOENIX HOUSE CEO RESPONDS TO JOHNSON & JOHNSON OPIOID SETTLEMENT

NEW YORK, NY (06/28/2021) (readMedia)-- On Saturday, Johnson & Johnson announced that it will pay $263 million to resolve opioid lawsuits filed in New York. In response, Ann Marie Foster, CEO and President of Phoenix House of New York and Long Island, issued the following statement:

"Johnson & Johnson's dangerous and destructive mishandling of painkillers fueled the opioid epidemic in New York and across the country. It will take years to undo the damage that pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson have caused, but proper use of these settlement funds can be a good start. The 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 House New York has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Phoenix House 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.