A federal appeals court has overturned a $650 million judgment against CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Walmart. This decision alters both the legal and public relations matters these companies face. Originally, two Ohio counties sued the pharmacies in 2018, accusing them of fueling the opioid crisis. While the ruling removes financial penalties, the debate over corporate responsibility in public health remains. Healthcare PR agency Baden Bower offers strategies to rebuild trust and manage public perception.
The Opioid Case and What It Means Now
The lawsuit accused CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart of worsening the opioid crisis by allowing an excessive supply of prescription painkillers. As reported by Segal McCambridge, a federal jury in Cleveland ruled against them in 2021 under public nuisance laws and ordered them to pay $650.9 million. Many viewed the case as an effort to hold pharmacies accountable for their role in the crisis.
Ohio’s Supreme Court later ruled in December 2024 that public nuisance laws could not be used against pharmacies in this way. That decision led to the February 4, 2025, ruling by a federal appeals court, which overturned the previous judgment and canceled the financial penalties. Judge Joseph Deters, writing for the majority, acknowledged the severity of the opioid crisis but stated that solving public health issues is beyond the court’s responsibility.
The reversal raises questions about corporate accountability and how large pharmacy chains handle opioid misuse. Financial penalties may no longer be a concern, but advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and policymakers continue to voice concerns. More than 500,000 opioid-related deaths in the past two decades have kept public scrutiny strong. Keeping a solid reputation is now a top priority, and many companies in similar situations turn to a publicist for hire to help manage their image.
How Baden Bower Helps with Reputation Repair
Pharmacy chains now face the challenge of regaining public trust. Baden Bower provides a structured way to handle that. The firm has built a strong name in media placements and reputation management. Despite being relatively new, it has already secured coverage in over 700 publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Business Insider.
Growth has been remarkable, with a 136% revenue increase, a 264% jump in net profit in 2024, and a 119% rise in new clients. Baden Bower’s AI-driven system predicts media trends, tracks public sentiment, and fine-tunes messaging to fit the moment. It’s a method that’s also been adopted by firms in emerging sectors like digital health and blockchain-based compliance tools, where public trust is just as critical. CEO AJ Ignacio describes the process as “a mix of technology and storytelling that makes sure clients’ messages reach the right audience at the right time.”
Steering Public Opinion Through Smart PR
Winning in court does not automatically win over the public. Baden Bower focuses on presenting corporate efforts related to responsible opioid distribution, patient education, and community health. With an extensive media network, the firm helps pharmacy chains gain favorable coverage and guide the conversation.
One of its methods includes guaranteed media placements, which put clients’ messages in front of decision-makers, whether through business journals, expert panels, or case studies that outline efforts to tackle the crisis.
Ignacio explains, “Our tools predict which stories will get attention, so we adjust messages before they go public. This makes our campaigns more effective and makes sure they connect with public sentiment.”
Public engagement through social media and community outreach adds another layer to this method. Addressing concerns in real time builds transparency and credibility. Baden Bower’s AI-powered sentiment analysis tools help clients track how their messages are received and make necessary adjustments.
The Risks and Rewards of Healthcare PR
Crisis PR in healthcare carries risks. An industry expert warns, “Getting media coverage is helpful, but it can backfire if companies appear to be avoiding responsibility instead of taking meaningful action.”
Ignacio acknowledges this concern but insists that Baden Bower’s work is rooted in ethical storytelling and data-driven insights. “We emphasize real efforts. If our clients are making genuine contributions to public health, we make sure those actions get the recognition they deserve,” he says.
The opioid crisis remains an emotional issue, requiring every PR campaign to balance corporate messaging with real engagement with affected communities. Baden Bower’s AI-driven tools help adjust messages in response to public reaction, making the strategy more flexible.
Legal matters may be settled, but public trust remains uncertain. Whether CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart can repair their reputations will depend on how they engage with the public, respond to criticism, and take meaningful steps toward change. Baden Bower provides the PR structure to help, but the real test lies in how these companies back up their words with actions.
