NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- New York’s attorney general is on a statewide tour to battle the opioid crisis — and she’s got $1.5 billion to give out along the way.
Funding comes from settlement money in cases involving the makers of prescription opioids.
The money is to be used in helping people break free from the grip of addiction — a critical cause, said state AG Letitia James.
“Funds will go to addiction prevention, education and treatment, and New Yorkers will see increased distribution and training in life-saving drugs to reverse opioid overdoses," said James.
The money will go in a so-called lockbox, James said, in making sure all of the funding goes where it’s needed.
At Lincoln Hospital, CEO Christopher Roker knows how they will be spending their money.
“Primary care, behavioral health, addiction, all culminated in one space,” said Roker.
James said that means treatment that will save lives. She hopes it’ll send a message to drugmakers.
“I hope and pray that these large settlements will teach large corporate drug manufacturers to work in the public interest, and to not be concerned about the bottom line,” said James.
Meanwhile, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said he wants those who have fallen victim to opioid addiction to be treated with humanity.
“We don’t want them to be treated as criminals. We want them to receive help," said Diaz Jr.
New York City is due to receive about $250 million — but there will be funding for every county in the state.
James said more settlements are still to come with drugmakers in the future.