Where Is PA’s Opioid Settlement Money Going?

The opioid crisis has rocked Western PA, devastating our friends, neighbors and families. Now, companies like Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, and others that made, sold or distributed prescription painkillers have been ordered to pay $50 billion over 18 years to deal with the damage. Pennsylvania is supposed to eventually get more than a billion of that. But how that money will be spent — and who exactly gets to decide – is still in flux. Spotlight PA investigative reporter Ed Mahon and KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani join us to share the latest and explain how members of the public can get involved. Want to learn more? Check out Ed and Aneri’s reporting on public voices getting ignored in opioid settlement money decisions, Aneri’s story about corporations benefiting from settlement money, and Ed’s coverage of money going toward county prosecutors and coroners. You can find Allegheny County’s opioid dashboard here. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 18th episode: City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.