Warren County, KY — A civil lawsuit that was filed late last month, alleges the opioid epidemic has forced hospitals in the state to add services, hire additional security and provide increased training to staff members. The suit names OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart and other producers and sellers of the drugs. The suit was brought by a group of Kentucky hospitals saying the companies misrepresented the benefits and dangers of the painkiller. The suit was filed in Warren County Circuit Court includes hospitals in Bowling Green, Pikeville, Madisonville and several county hospitals. Local governments and hospitals across the nation have accused pharmaceutical companies of downplaying the addictive nature of opioids and prescription painkillers largely blamed for one of the deadliest drug crises in U.S. history.