The Iowa Attorney General’s Office announced today that it has signed an agreement with University of Iowa Health Care to develop a comprehensive, statewide opioid treatment program, using $3.8 million from a multistate settlement. The program will take a multifaceted approach to making treatment for opioid use disorder available to Iowans. UI addiction specialists will conduct extensive outreach, training physicians and other health care providers across the state on how to treat opioid addiction using medication for addiction treatment (MAT), in addition to providing consultation and treatment for complex addiction cases. The $3.8 million comes from the attorney general’s nearly $4.7 million settlement with McKinsey & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting firms. Iowa’s lawsuit alleged that McKinsey contributed to the opioid crisis by promoting marketing schemes and consulting services to opioid manufacturers, including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, for over a decade. This is the first multistate opioid settlement to result in substantial payment to the states to address the epidemic. In 2022 and beyond, the state expects more funding to come from settlements with other companies responsible for fueling the opioid crisis. Iowans seeking help with mental health issues and drug or alcohol abuse can find a list of MAT providers, counselors and other treatment options via a free program called “Your Life Iowa.” Visit yourlifeiowa.org, call 855-581-8111, or text 855-895-8398.