County expects to receive opioid funds

RITZVILLE – Adams County commissioners are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in connection with a settlement over opioid addiction with bankrupt Purdue Pharma.

The memorandum relates to an agreement reached by State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the company. The agreement notes cities and counties will share part of a $113 million settlement, based on population.

The Adams County portion of the settlement is expected to be around 1%, or about $1.13 million.

The funds are to be used for treatment programs and other efforts to combat opioid addiction, officials said, noting the settlement must still be approved by a bankruptcy court.

The settlement was discussed during the April 13 commission meeting.

In other business, commissioners heard from county Integrated Health Care Services Administrator Vicki Guse, who recommended ending the quarantine room agreement with local hotels, due to a reduced need for isolation as COVID-19 cases decreased in recent months.

The board agreed. Letters will be drafted and sent to the hotel managers.