John Crople is reporting for The Daily Gazette the state Attorney General’s Office April 19, announced the first round of funding for Capital Region counties to assist in combating opioid abuse. The local share of $5.78 million is the first portion of funding from the settlement of state lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of opioids. Subsequent payouts will bring $32 million to the Capital Region. “This is the result of our litigation against Big Pharma for the destruction and devastation they caused as a result of opioids, the devastation and destruction that unfortunately claimed so many lives and impacted so many families,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said at a news conference. All 62 counties and the five largest cities in New York are receiving money this week. The local awards in the eight-county Capital Region include $473,000 to Greene County; $392,000 to Columbia County; $1,665,000 to Albany County; $758,000 to Rensselaer County; and $726,000 to Schenectady County. James’ office said the first payments are from settlements with AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Cardinal Health and McKesson Corporation. Later this year, the Capital Region counties will receive additional payments from settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Allergan. Read the full story in The Daily Gazette.