States are allocating hundreds of millions. Officials weigh spreading it among treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction.
State and local officials are seeing the first wave of the $50 billion arrive. They’re also seeing pitches for products to spend it on.
Econ Extra Credit newsletter #153
The money was a one-time gift for infrastructure, but to stay running, the clinic is on its own.
The agreement is with several U.S. states, cities, and Native American tribes.
Some health officials and researchers say the tests could save lives. But many state drug paraphernalia laws make them illegal.
The program’s approach includes an emphasis on medically-assisted treatment, using drugs to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The drugmaker will also pay a settlement of more than $8 billion, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
At least 300 rehab facilities in 44 states required unpaid labor from participants, investigators found.
Some are skeptical the chain retailer’s “shrink” is due to opioid addiction.
