Kroger Reaches $110 Million Opioid Settlement with Kentucky

January 9, 2025 TruthUSA

On Thursday, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman revealed a $110 million settlement with Kroger related to the opioid crisis.

“For more than a decade, Kroger has unfortunately fueled the ongoing drug addiction crisis that affects every corner of our Commonwealth,” Coleman noted during an event at the Life Learning Center (LLC) in Covington, Kentucky.

“However, this tragedy is not the conclusion: Kentucky is strong and we rise again, regardless of how many times we are brought down.”

With this settlement, Kroger shifts its stance from being part of the problem to being part of the solution, Coleman stated.

LLC President Alecia Webb-Edgington introduced Coleman, emphasizing the severe impact of the opioid crisis on the community and commending Coleman’s “unwavering commitment” to addressing the issue.

“Rectifying past mistakes and tackling the root causes of these problems is not just important, it’s vital if we hope to break the cycles of suffering and loss,” she remarked. “At Life Learning Center, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a new life for themselves and their families; without the commitment of leaders like Attorney General Coleman, our efforts would be considerably more challenging.”

In February 2024, Coleman initiated legal action against Kroger, claiming that the supermarket was responsible for distributing 444 million doses of opioids over a 13-year span without adequate oversight for abuse.

He noted that Kroger and its network of over 100 pharmacies accounted for more than 11 percent of all opioid pills dispensed in Kentucky from 2006 to 2019.

Under the settlement, Kroger denied any wrongdoing regarding opioid distribution, indicating the settlement was reached to resolve matters rather than engaging in a prolonged legal conflict.

Kroger did not provide a response to The Epoch Times’ request for comment before publication.

The settlement allocates $55 million to be granted to cities and counties “based on a predetermined formula,” while the remaining half is directed to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.

Coleman mentioned that last year, the Advisory Commission awarded the LLC $500,000 to implement advanced technology for real-time data tracking, support, and accountability.

“I’ve visited many of the grant recipients in recent months and witnessed the transformative work taking place in our Commonwealth,” he stated. “It’s truly inspiring, and I urge you all to join me in thanking those committed to helping Kentuckians in their recovery journey.”

In November 2024, Kroger reached a $1.37 billion settlement concerning its alleged contribution to the opioid crisis, involving 30 states.

On November 4, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced the state would receive up to $42.9 million for “opioid abatement.”

“Today’s agreement with Kroger marks another significant advancement in Tennessee’s battle against the opioid epidemic,” he stated. “By holding accountable those who played a role in this crisis, Tennessee will secure funds to mitigate the damages caused by opioid misuse in families and communities statewide.”

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