KINGSTON – Ulster County has joined the legal battle against pharmaceutical companies that manufacture opioid pain killers.
“The actions of these multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical companies have had a disgraceful negative impact on our entire nation; and at the local level they have harmed our medical system, the county’s finances and, worst of all, the health and well-being of many Ulster County residents,” said County Executive Michael Hein. “I have been to far too many wakes and funerals with grieving families as they suffer the loss of their children to overdoses, and I am pleased that counties across America are standing up to these companies who are preying on our citizens.”
Hein said the activities of pharmaceutical companies “have continued to contribute to spikes in opioid addiction and medical costs, as well as overdose deaths and untold pain and suffering inflicted on Ulster County families, all while they have unconscionably reaped billions of dollars in profits at the expense of the public’s health. It is time they are held accountable.”
County Legislature Chairman Kenneth Ronk said for years the county has been on the forefront of the battle against opioid abuse and this lawsuit is an “important step in the fight for our children and families.”
Ulster’s action comes one day after Sullivan County announced it would join the legal battle. Dutchess and Orange have also announced they have joined the lawsuit.
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