Half a billion dollars from a nationwide settlement will be coming to Indiana to bring relief from the opioid epidemic.

State Attorney General, Todd Rokita announced on Wednesday morning that the overall arrangement is part of a $26 billion agreement settling allegations of 46 states against the four companies – three major pharmaceutical distributors and Johnson and Johnson which manufactured and marketed opioids.

“Today marks a milestone victory in our battle against drug addiction,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This scourge has inflicted such unspeakable pain on so many Hoosiers. We are fighting daily for our families, friends and neighbors. By all of us working together, we can ensure a brighter day is coming.”

In order to get the $507 million payout to Indiana, Rokita brought together local governments and communities across the state to agree to the deal. He says that the biggest problem were outside lawyers who worked with communities to follow their own litigation, rather than be a part of the state settlement.

“Some lawyers seemed enticed by the prospect of big paydays,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We worked with our partners in local government to make sure the opportunity to serve the public good won out over private pecuniary interests.”

The payout will be divided evenly between state and local governments in Indiana, with the settlement funds supporting local law enforcement efforts, drug task forces, regional treatment hubs, and early intervention and crisis support, among other important programs.