Utah to receive another $10M in national opioid settlement

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Utah will receive over $10 million from a multistate opioid settlement.
Albertsons will pay $773.7 million nationally for its role in fueling the opioid crisis.
Funds will support addiction treatment and prevention in Utah communities.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will be receiving more than $10 million in the latest multistate agreement requiring companies to pay for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

The Utah Department of Commerce and the Utah Attorney General's Office announced the settlement on Monday, which requires Albertsons Companies Inc. to pay approximately $773.7 million, with the potential for more if injunctive relief is granted.

Albertsons operated in-store pharmacies at grocery stores across Utah during the height of the opioid epidemic, according to the attorney general's office.

"Utah families are still living with the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis. Through litigation involving many states, we reached an agreement in principle with Albertsons in a national settlement over its role in fueling the opioid epidemic. We remain committed to pursuing litigation that protects Utah families and delivers meaningful results," said Attorney General Derek Brown.

The settlement funds will be directed through Utah's opioid abatement fund and be given to communities for addiction treatment, recovery services and prevention efforts.

"This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting Utah communities impacted by the devastating effects of the opioid crisis," said Margaret Woolley Busse, Utah Department of Commerce executive director. "We stand united in our mission to heal our communities and prevent further tragedies from occurring."

Bussee said the settlement holds accountable those who contributed to the epidemic while also ensuring vital resources are allocated to address addiction, provide treatment and "ultimately save lives."

The Albertsons settlement is the latest in a series of legal battles undertaken by states in an attempt to combat the opioid crisis.

In June 2023, Utah received $209 million from drug makers Teva and Allergan, as well as pharmacies CVS and Walgreens, and another $45 million from Kroger in a November 2024 settlement.

In total, Utah is now projected to receive $616 million from national opioid settlements combined, the Utah Attorney General's Office said in a statement.

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