In a statement, Underwood said Purdue Pharma had demonstrated “a pattern of deception and reckless disregard for New Yorkers’ health and well-being.”
She added that the pharmaceutical company “lined its own pockets by deliberately exploiting our communities and fueling an opioid epidemic that’s destroyed families across the state.”
Furthermore, Underwood said the state is holding Purdue Pharma accountable for its irresponsible and illegal conduct. New York will continue to lead the multi-state investigation into opiod manufacturers and distributors across the United States.
Cuomo said unscrupulous distributors created the opioid epidemic that brought misery to communities.
Cuomo Administration Has Implemented Various Programs to Address Opioid Epidemic
Cuomo has implemented various programs to combat the opioid epidemic, including:
- Limiting initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain from 30 to seven days;
- Expanding insurance coverage and eliminating many insurance restrictions for substance use disorder treatment;
- Increasing training and education for prescribers;
- Increasing access and enhancing treatment capacity across the state, including a major expansion of opioid treatment and recovery services;
- Implementing the comprehensive I-STOP law to curb prescription drug abuse;
- Launching a public awareness and prevention campaign to inform New Yorkers about the dangers of heroin use and opioid misuse and the disease of addiction; and
- Assembling a task force to propose initiatives to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic.
He also created a continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment and recovery services.
