In 2021, nationwide settlements were reached to resolve all opioids litigation brought by states and local political subdivisions against the three largest pharmaceutical distributors and a parent company. Billions in opioid-settlement dollars are being distributed to states and local governments, and EMS is a key beneficiary.
- $57.1 billion in state and local allocations through 2038 (as of July 23, 2025).
- Annual disbursements are already hitting EMS budgets in all 50 states.
- Funds are earmarked for prevention, monitoring and diversion control – exactly where NarcBox excels.
Further, pending amendments to the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 (PPAEAMA) propose to establish uniform EMS agency requirements for the administration of controlled substances while ensuring adequate safeguards against theft and diversion. These regulations will include requirements for how registered EMS agencies must deliver controlled substances from registered to unregistered locations, store controlled substances, restock EMS vehicles at a hospital, maintain records and otherwise conduct their operations.
In anticipation of such changes, many EMS agencies are taking advantage of opioid settlement funds to secure and implement secure, compliant storage for controlled substances, along with fully digitized reporting so agencies can document all use, movement and storage.
Download the infographic now to learn how your agency can partner with NarcBox and Lexipol Grants to access opioid settlement funds for secure storage, inventory management systems, diversion equipment and more.