Boone County joins Gerbes opioid class action settlement | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

The Boone County Commission unanimously agreed on Tuesday to participate in an agreement with Gerbes’ parent chain, Kroger, as a part of the company’s nationwide $1.4 billion settlement.

The Kroger Co. joins Walmart, CVS and Walgreens in agreeing to the settlement to avoid lawsuits alleging that large pharmacy companies fueled the nation’s opioid crisis through lax oversight on medication sales.

In September, Kroger agreed to pay up to $1.2 billion to state and local governments as well as Native American tribes to settle a majority of lawsuits against the company claiming it fueled the opioid epidemic, according to CNBC reporting.

The settlement grants Boone County about $1.8 million through 2038, according to Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick.

Kendrick said Boone County has already met with and continues to meet with various government health organizations such as the Missouri Department of Health, Department of Health and Senior Services and local members of public health …