Data expert testifies at landmark West Virginia opioid trial
by The Associated Press
Last Updated May 11, 2021 at 7:14 pm EDT
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) A data expert testifying at a landmark opioid trial in West Virginia said Tuesday that the potency of prescription drugs sent to local communities increased over time, but the three large drug distributors being sued tried to discredit his analysis.
Cabell County and the city of Huntington argue that AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson Corp. created a “public nuisance” by flooding their areas with prescription pain pills and ignored the signs that the community was being ravaged by addiction.
Witness testimony continues in landmark W.Va. opioid trial
May 5, 2021
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia was the “canary in the coal mine” of the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic, a former state health official said Wednesday as witness testimony continued in a landmark trial between local West Virginia governments and three large drug distributors accused of fueling the crisis.
Cabell County and the city of Huntington argue that drug distributors AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson Corp created a “public nuisance” by flooding the area with 80 million opioid doses over eight years and ignoring the signs that the community was being ravaged by addiction.
Recent editorials from West Virginia newspapers:
The Intelligencer on profound changes needed to solve the opioid crisis:
If the human toll is not enough reason for some elected and bureaucratic officials to take seriously the fight against substance abuse in our state, here is one that might come closer to speaking their language: According to the Center on Budget and Policy, treating and addressing substance abuse and addiction cost West Virginia an estimated $11.3 billion in 2019.
In economist Jill Kriesky’s report, she includes the costs that have sprung out of the addiction epidemic such as hepatitis, HIV, neonatal abstinence syndrome and an overburdened foster care system. Her report estimates economic damages from drug-related fatalities in West Virginia were $9.8 billion in 2019.
First concert in over a year to be held in Huntington
April 16, 2021
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) Live music will return to Huntington for the first time in over a year on Friday for a concert that will mark the city s 150th anniversary.
The Herald-Dispatch reports that doors will open at John C. Edwards Stadium an hour before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
It will be the first major musical event held by the Marshall Artists Series since the beginning of the pandemic.
Angela Jones, a spokesperson for the series, told the Herald-Dispatch the “Mountain Stage” concert will feature local indie-rock band Ona.
The Intelligencer on a remote worker program looking to bring new residents to the state:
West Virginians are sometimes numb to the wonders that surround us in this incredible state. When we seek adventure, we don’t often turn to our own backyards - we go to beaches or explore other regions.
But people from across the country understand the beauty and adventure that awaits in West Virginia; and state Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby wants to take advantage of that love for our state’s wild and wonderful side.
Beginning this week, a remote worker program will work to recruit out-of-state participants who can do their jobs from anywhere. If they move to the Mountain State, they will receive $12,000 and passes for a year to go whitewater rafting, golfing, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing, ziplining … jut about any outdoor activity they can think of.