Settlement funds to be used to combat opioid epidemic

COLFAX — Whitman County is receiving approximately $2,506,131.42 through multiple lawsuits filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson against opioid manufacturers to combat the opioid crisis.

According to a press release from the Office of the Attorney General, Ferguson announced Tuesday, June 18, that the state received a $123.24 million lump sum payment from opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

The funds are the latest payments from litigation against companies that fueled the opioid crisis, which must be split evenly between state and local governments.

Ferguson directed funds to be used to c...