Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Councilwomen Thelda Williams and Debra Stark started the process to take legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors on Tuesday. They say those groups helped create the national opioid epidemic.
Councilmember Stark said they felt the time is now to hold these companies accountable.
"It’s gotten just to a such a troubling spot in our city. We need to hold the pharmaceuticals responsible for what they are doing to us, the city," Stark said.
Stanton, Williams and Stark have submitted a letter to the city manager to initiate legal action. In the letter they point out overdoses are so common that every Phoenix Fire engine and rescue vehicle carries the opioid antidote naloxone. They blame the epidemic in part on drug companies’ fraudulent marketing, which they say minimizes opioid risks.
Stark says she feels confident the rest of the council will come on board with taking legal action. The council will vote on whether to hire an attorney next week.
