New York stands to receive a substantial amount of money from litigation against the opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. Overdose deaths involving opioids have killed more than half a million people over the past two decades. This public health crisis has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some counties like Albany reporting an increase of 44% in drug-related overdose deaths. But there is hope for a better future: the forthcoming state opioid settlement could help turn the tide. 

These funds should be spent directly and exclusively on ending New York’s addiction crisis. But unfortunately, some of those dollars have already been squandered, put into the state’s general fund and spent on projects unrelated to addiction. We need to make sure this does not happen with the rest of the money, which is still forthcoming.

You can help make this happen. Contact your local representatives now and tell them that these hard-earned dollars must be spent supporting those impacted by addiction.

On May 4, Shatterproof will be joining organizers in Albany to raise our voices on this issue. Stay tuned to social media for updates on our day of action! And help ensure we have the biggest impact by adding your voice to our online campaign today.