Maker of device to treat addiction withdrawal seeks KY counties’ opioid settlement cash

By: Aneri Pattani, KFF Health News

Outlets: Kentucky Lantern

Published: March 17, 2026

Words: 1,540

Last Updated: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

LOUISVILLE — In the early 2000s, Michelle Warfield worked at a factory, hauling heavy seats for Ford trucks on and off an assembly line. To suppress daily aches in her back and hips, her doctor prescribed opioid painkillers.

They worked for a bit. But by 2011, Warfield struggled to walk.

And “by that time, I was addicted,” said Warfield, now living in Shelbyville.

After she lost her health insurance, Warfield started buying pills on the …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us