opioid overdoses

With a federal judge poised to approve Purdue Pharma's controversial Chapter 11 plan, the company is working behind the scenes to preempt a legal challenge by the DOJ.

As a landmark federal opioid trial nears completion, West Virginia communities are demanding $2.5 billion in compensation. Drug firms say they acted responsibly in shipping millions of pills.

Florida could be receiving more than $1 billion as part of a national settlement against pharmaceutical companies. The federal evictions moratorium nears its end, with no extension expected. Plus, 68 years ago marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. The significance of July 26 — as protests against the regime continue.

Payouts will be spread over the next 18 years, with much of the funding going to help communities struggling with high rates of opioid addiction and overdose deaths.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that overdose deaths last year increased nearly 30% across the country. In Florida, the rate increased more than 37%.

Project Opioid Broward is getting business leaders involved with the fight against opioid abuse and death in Broward County, much like the Broward Business Council On Homelessness formed in 2018.

More than 93,000 people died of a drug overdose in the U.S. last year, according to new CDC data. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids accounted primarily for the rise, which the pandemic exacerbated.

Under a bankruptcy procedure prohibited by courts in part of the country, the Sacklers could be sheltered from opioid lawsuits even without declaring bankruptcy. Some states are crying foul.

A non-profit syringe needle exchange program in Palm Beach County says the pandemic has played a role in the spike in drug overdose deaths.

The CDC says hospitals saw a lot more emergency cases involving drug overdoses, as well as mental health crises and suicide attempts. Many emergency departments weren't ready.

Advocates say disruptions in care, job loss and increased stress and isolation due to the pandemic are fueling substance abuse problems.

A new Florida program to help people addicted to opioids is getting $5 million.