DeepSummary
The podcast episode focuses on Cheryl Juaire, a mother who lost two of her sons to opioid overdoses, and her involvement in negotiating a $6 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin. Cheryl was part of a team that worked to convince Purdue to agree to the settlement for the harm caused by their drugs. However, the Supreme Court recently ruled that the settlement cannot move forward because it granted immunity to the Sackler family, the principal owners of Purdue.
Cheryl shares her emotional journey, from losing her son Corey to an overdose in 2011, to becoming involved in advocacy work against the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. She describes the grueling negotiation process, which lasted nearly five years, and the challenges they faced with different stakeholders having conflicting interests.
Despite the setback from the Supreme Court's decision, Cheryl remains determined to continue fighting for a settlement that will save lives. She believes that while putting the Sacklers in jail may not solve the problem, using the settlement money for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction could make a significant impact.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Cheryl Juaire, a mother who lost two sons to opioid overdoses, was part of a team that negotiated a $6 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin.
- The Supreme Court recently ruled that the settlement cannot move forward because it granted immunity to the Sackler family, the principal owners of Purdue Pharma.
- Cheryl was devastated by the Supreme Court's decision but remains determined to continue fighting for a settlement that can save lives and fund prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts.
- The negotiation process was challenging, with different stakeholders having conflicting interests, but Cheryl believes the settlement is the best chance at achieving a fair outcome.
- Cheryl's motivation stems from her personal experience of losing two sons to overdoses and her desire to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies.
- While the Sackler family may have avoided legal consequences, Cheryl believes they will ultimately face judgment for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic.
- The episode highlights the emotional and personal stakes involved in the opioid settlement negotiations, as well as the complexities of reaching a resolution that satisfies various parties.
- Cheryl's resilience and commitment to advocating for those affected by the opioid crisis are evident throughout the episode.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I literally did not expect that decision. And of course, you see, it was close, five to four, but I really, I didn't see it coming.“ by Cheryl Juaire
- “It's not over. It's far from over.“ by Cheryl Juaire
- “They created this epidemic, and now, you know, the last day that they're on this earth, they're going to have to stand before the ultimate judge and get what's to them. And I'm counting on that.“ by Cheryl Juaire
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Episode Information
What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Slate Podcasts
7/4/24