Opioids

On the frontlines, protecting Arizonans

There are few families in our state and across our country that haven’t been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis – with more experiencing the horrors of these drugs daily.

More than FIVE people die of an overdose every day
-Arizona Department of Health Services, 2022

Compensating for the opioid epidemic

After years of litigation, U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy chains have been held accountable for their role in contributing to the opioid epidemic. The pharmaceutical industry will pay more than $1.14 billion to Arizona over the next 18 years for opioid treatment, prevention and education. The state, counties, cities and towns will distribute funding for remediation of the deadly abuse of prescription painkillers perpetuated by these companies.

About the opioid settlement funds

One Arizona Agreement

The State of Arizona and its counties, cities and towns agreed upon a framework to distribute the settlement funds across the state and into communities. The One Arizona Agreement sends 56 percent of the opioid settlement funds to the counties, cities and towns and 44 percent to the State.

The allocation for each of the 15 counties and 91 cities and towns is based on population as well as the relative degree of harm suffered by each community as a result of the opioids crisis. Each local government controls how the settlement funds are spent and report the expenditures annually.

Region Distribution Dashboard
State Distribution Dashboard

Effect of the Opioid Epidemic in Arizona

In 2022, more than five people a day died of an opioid overdose. Another nine people a day suffered non-fatal opioid overdose events. Some 21,300 emergency and inpatient visits involved suspected drug overdoses. Even more troubling is the rapid increase in the numbers of newborns born already suffering the effects of drug withdrawal due to exposure in utero. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is educating Arizonans on fentanyl and opioid treatment and prevention, the signs of an overdose and how to use the life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone.

Community Outreach Materials

Attorney General Actions Addressing the Opioids Crisis

Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking an all-of-the-above approach to help Arizonans recover from the fallout of the opioid crisis. The cross-functional team is attacking the issue from stopping fentanyl coming across the border to deep-rooted community needs.