SEATTLE, Wash.-A public relations firm will pay Washington state an almost $8 million settlement for its role in the opioid epidemic.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the $7.9 million payment from Publicis Health on Feb. 1.
Purdue Pharma used Publicis Health to target prescribers who would be most likely to prescribe large amounts of opioids, according to a press release from the AG’s Office, and even had some prescribers record conversations with their patients to help the company better market the highly addictive narcotics.
Publicis Health’s payment will settle a lawsuit over deceptive marketing filed in King County Superior Court that alleged Publicis’ conduct violated the state Consumer Protection Act and public nuisance statutes.
According to the AG’s Office, the money from the settlement will go directly to the state Legislature to fund programs and services to address the fentanyl and opioid epidemic.
Publicis Health will also no longer market opioid products as part of a multi-state settlement.
Funds from the settlement will come to Washington over the next several months and can be appropriated during the 2024 Legislative Session, according to the AG’s Office.
Funds from the settlement will be allocated to communities across Washington to continue combatting the opioid epidemic through approved strategies, including:
Expanding treatment for opioid use disorder.Support for those in treatment and recovery.Addressing the needs of pregnant woman and families.Preventing opioid misuse, overprescribing and overdoses.Support for first responders.
