End Substance Use Disorder Stands with Families Who Testified at Sackler and Purdue Pharma Hearing

Today, families who lost loved ones to overdoses and people in recovery testified in federal court about the pain and suffering caused by Purdue Pharma’s role in fueling the opioid epidemic through its aggressive sales of Oxycontin. Representatives from the Sackler family, which owns Purdue Pharma, were present at the hearing. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“My little brother, Ethan, was a young teenager when he became dependent on prescription painkillers that ultimately led to his overdose and death,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “For so many years, my family struggled alone to try to get Ethan care, unaware that millions others were experiencing the same hardships and isolation. I understand how painful it is to speak of the loss and suffering from opioid use disorder. Each person who testified today demonstrated bravery and strength. Their stories have brought awareness and compassion to the families that need help. And most importantly, they have helped hold the Sackler family accountable for their role in the deaths of thousands of our loved ones.”

The hearing was held as part of a $6 billion settlement proposal with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. End Substance Use Disorder has previously criticized the settlement agreement as failing to hold the Sackler family accountable for their corporate wrongdoing.

Over half a million Americans have died of an opioid overdose in the last two decades, many due to prescription painkillers. Purdue Pharma had been sued by more than 3,000 plaintiffs, representing states and local governments whose communities have been devastated by the opioid overdose crisis. The settlement proposal is still under review by the U.S. bankruptcy court.