A L B U Q U E R Q U E , NM— Attorney General Hector Balderas today announced that New Mexico will join in a $5 billion nationwide settlement with drug maker Johnson & Johnson and two related companies, resolving allegations that the companies fueled the opioid crisis in the state. The companies have agreed to pay New Mexico its share of the settlement in full, in 2022, if all eligible New Mexico county and city governments sign onto the deal by May 31, 2022. Most other states will be paid over the course of several years.
“Opioids have destroyed families in New Mexico, and local communities and addiction professionals still need vital funding to save lives and fight this ongoing tragic epidemic,” said Attorney General Balderas.
The announcement comes on the heels of New Mexico joining a separate deal with three major drug distributors. Combined, the deals could bring nearly $200 million to the state to fund badly-needed treatment programs and other initiatives. New Mexico’s lawsuit is scheduled for trial against the remaining companies in September of 2022.
The amount of money allocated to New Mexico via the settlement largely depends on participation in the settlement by New Mexico cities and counties as well as by state government. The more local governments that participate, the more money that will ultimately be paid to New Mexico. City and county officials with questions about their eligibility for this settlement or the signon process should contact the Attorney General’s Office. Further details about the nationwide settlement can be found online at www.nationalopioidsettlement.com