(The Center Square) – Georgia is receiving $126 million as part of a nationwide settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler families.
The overall settlement is $7.4 billion, which will be distributed nationwide over three years.
“For years, the Sackler family profited off other people’s pain – destroying lives and families in Georgia and throughout the country,” Attorney General Chris Carr said. “While nothing can undo the harm caused, this settlement will provide our state with significant resources to support those struggling with addiction and Georgians in recovery.”
Data from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention shows Georgia’s opioid-related deaths decreased 22% from September 2023 to September 2024. The number of predicted cases in the state also dropped from 2,658 in January 2024 to 2,011 in January 2025, according to the data.
Georgia’s opioid-related deaths increased steadily from 2010, according to information from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has escalated the number of deaths since 2020 as it has been reported to be added to other drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine.
The number of drug overdose-related emergency department visits in Georgia declined in April 2025 when compared to the previous year. The Georgia Department of Public Health shows 1,481 visits in April 2025 compared to 1,821 in April 2024.
Georgia also received $638 million as part of a 2022 nationwide settlement with several drug companies. McKinsey and Company also agreed to pay the state $13 million, according to information from the Georgia Opioid Abatement Trust.
The trust distributes the settlement funds through a competitive grant process. The deadline for 2025 grant awards is Wednesday, according to the website.
Georgia established a 988 hotline to help families dealing with opioid abuse, according to the trust.
