Vienna Joins Latest Opioid-Related Class Action Settlement

VIENNA, VA — Vienna is joining the Commonwealth of Virginia and other localities in a national opioids settlement with grocery store operator Kroger.

Town Council approved the town's participation in the class action settlement Monday night. Virginia and other states and localities are joining the national settlements reached with opioid manufacturers and distributors for their roles in the opioid epidemic.

The town's involvement will allow it to be part of the settlement fund distribution to Virginia and Fairfax County. The resolution approved by Town Council noted the impact of the opioid crisis on taxpayer dollars and resources provided by local governments.

Virginia's share of the settlement will be greater with more localities participating. Vienna already opted to join settlements against opioid manufacturers Teva and Allergan and retail pharmacy chains Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens in 2023.

Towns within counties like Vienna would have to receive funds through their counties. Town Attorney Steven Briglia said Fairfax County is looking at test kits and education materials as possible uses of class action settlement funds.

"On our side, the town doesn't fund hospitals and social services and rehab. That's done through the county processes, that's paid through our county taxes. So the county's gonna have a bigger claim on this class action, but we would benefit," said Briglia. "And the county recommended and requested that the town not opt out, so we can opt in with our own claims and add to hopefully a bigger pot that Fairfax County and the towns within it will receive."

In September 2023, Kroger announced it would pay as much as $1.4 billion for settlement of opioid-related lawsuits, including $1.2 million for states and localities where it has locations. Kroger's supermarket brands include Harris Teeter, which has Northern Virginia locations, among others.