Editor’s note: The online newspaper, Mississippi Today, recently wrote about how Mississippi cities and counties have utilized their share of more than $15.5 million received to date in an opioid settlement with drug manufacturers. Mississippi Today reported that the city of Charleston has received $1,082.82 and used the money for “payroll and police supplies,” the town of Webb has received $493.09 and used it for “police officer expenses” and Tallahatchie County has received $48,958.25 and its funds are “unallocated.” No information was reported for Sumner and Tutwiler. Charleston physician Dr. James Wilde submitted to The Sun-Sentinel the following opinion piece after reading the Mississippi Today reporting.
By Dr. James O. Wilde Jr.:
When reading the excellent review in the Mississippi Today of how the hard-fought opioid settlement money has been allocated, mixed feelings resulted.
First was angry frustration.
The frustration comes initially from the long realization that the pharmaceutical company really did “lie.”
While in my family medicine residency training, the pharmaceutical representative reassured us that the narcotic oxycodone was NOT addictive.
My skepticism was subdued by the continued reassurance of this representative coming from such a large and established company. But because of my gut feeling, I did not prescribe that particular pain medication.
Well, the truth came later and the legal battle only addressed this situation by financially punishing the company. To me, this did not undo the harm done but since this was such a large payout, in my mind, I envisioned direct help would occur to those impacted by this financial outlay. Wishful thinking.
Now the frustration continues, especially when I read that “office supplies” have been funded locally with the opiod settlement money. Then, add to that nearly a million has been sent to our local county with no plans enumerated by anyone. The frustration continues because apparently no accountability or oversight has been provided.
Now is the time to, at the very least, fund indirect help if no direct assistance can be managed for those already destroyed.
Now, basically disappointed is how I feel; as one who is part of the medical system. Because this enormous outlay of money can do a wealth of good for people in need, but so far, at least locally, I see no compassionate directed use.
If nothing else, apply this to behavioral health facilities, not just for “drug” treatment, but earmarked for at least the treating staff expertise combined with facilities support.
A separate “slush” fund is acutely needed for those that cannot afford to get needed treatment, which is common because I see this frequently.
Use the money for its intended use; help, and salvation, for those enslaved and trapped in narcotic dysfunction. Society needs this for “people,” not office supplies.
Dr. James O. Wilde Jr., a family medicine physician, hospitalist and certified medical technologist, is chief of staff at Tallahatchie General Hospital in Charleston.
