Rhode Island to get $30M from Purdue Pharma opioid settlement

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island will receive $30 million as part of a $7.4 billion of the Purdue Pharma opioid settlement.

The deal resolves claims that the company aggressively pushed OxyContin while misleading the public about its addictive risks.

The settlement funds will be used to address the opioid epidemic in Rhode Island and with 80% going to the general fund and 20% to all of Rhode Island’s cities and town.

Helena Foulkes, former president of CVS Pharmacy, and potential 2028 gubernatorial candidates faced scrutiny following a federal lawsuit alleging the company filled illegal opioid prescriptions and ignored red flags during the height of the opioid crisis. While the Department of Justice’s complaint does not name Foulkes personally, the actions cited occurred during her leadership. Critics point to her role overseeing CVS’s retail operations as the company allegedly prioritized prescription volume over patient safety. Foulkes, however, defends her record, stating that under her leadership, CVS cut opioid prescriptions significantly and implemented stricter monitoring systems. The controversy has resurfaced as she considers another run for public office, placing her time at CVS under closer political and public examination.