Opioid Settlement Funds

Pharmaceutical companies have been held accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. National settlements with manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains have secured more than $50 billion to help communities recover. Arizona’s share is $1.215 billion, based on the impact opioids have had on the state.

Mesa's Response

To date, Mesa has received $4.7 million from national opioid settlements, with an expected total of up to $22 million over 18 years.

Mesa’s settlement funds are focused on prevention, education, and youth support. Allocations include:

• $1 million for public safety initiatives, such as new tools for Mesa Police to manage opioid-related incidents
• $1.1 million to fund nonprofit community grants. Read more information about the FY25/26 Funding Awards(PDF, 58KB)
• $1.26 million for community education and outreach, including $513,000 for the Be Kind People Project partnership and other programs, such as community navigators.
• Any remaining funds will be allocated in alignment with City Council direction.

Opioid Prevention Campaign

Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy™ Mesa empowers students, parents, and educators to recognize the risks of opioids and counterfeit pills, promote mental wellness, and take action through education, kindness, and prevention.

Resource Hub

Local Administration / One Arizona Agreement

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health manages settlement funds at the county level and distributes payments to cities, including Mesa. More details about settlement agreements and response planning can be found on their website.

In August 2021, all 15 counties and 90 cities and towns, including Mesa, signed the One Arizona Opioid Settlement Agreement.

• Total to Arizona: $542 million over 18 years 
• 56% distributed to local governments  
• 44% retained by the State of Arizona for statewide response efforts 

Approved Uses of Funds
Settlement funds must be used for evidence-based strategies to address the opioid epidemic. Examples include:

• Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) 
• Support for people in treatment and recovery 
• Services for people at risk of developing OUD 
• Prevention of overdose deaths and other related harms 
• Education and outreach to reduce misuse and build resiliency 

View Funding Opportunities page.

For more information on Opioid Settlements visit the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Arizona Attorney General websites.

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