Syracuse, N.Y. - Onondaga County is filing a Federal Lawsuit against the manufacturers of opioids.
County Officials say that they are will be the latest of several in New York to file lawsuits looking to recoup the money spent on law enforcement, treatment and family court services related to opioids.
"The opioid epidemic is a serious and growing problem and our community is not immune to it, says County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "Too many families and lives are destroyed by these dangerous drugs and this lawsuit is a major step forward in our effort to combat this crisis from both a public health and legal perspective."
Opioid overdose deaths have tripled in Onondaga County as 426 people have lost their lives since the opioid crisis began in 2012. Onondaga County has the highest rate of opioid overdose deaths among Central New York counties. Tragically, Onondaga County has the third highest rate of newborn drug-related diagnoses in the State.
"Combating the opioid epidemic has been a main priority of the County Legislature and this lawsuit is another step towards holding accountable the responsible parties," says Onondaga Legislature Chairman Ryan McMahon. "Whether allocating funds for our health department or supporting the work of our other community partners, the Legislature remains committed to providing the resources necessary to bring an end to this crisis."
The State Association of Counties has been promoting legal action against the companies that make and promote the medications. Across the U.S., more than 100 counties have taken similar action to combat the scourge of opiod addiction in their communities.