ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Finger Lakes region is set to receive $53 million to help in the fight against the opioid epidemic. New York Attorney General Letitia James made the announcement in Rochester on Thursday as part of her "Heal NY" tour.

The funds are coming from settlements the AG's office has negotiated following the March 2019 lawsuit against various pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors that were held responsible for the opioid crisis.

James handed over a check for more than $14 million to Monroe County and more than $5 million to the city of Rochester. 

County Executive Adam Bello says the money will be put into a trust fund to ensure it goes towards education, prevention, treatment and outreach. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be sent to all the counties in the region. Wayne, Ontario and Genessee counties could see upwards of $1 million.

The money comes at a time when it is sorely needed according to the Monroe County Opioid Task Force. Last month was the second deadliest for overdoses this year. According to the CDC, a record 93,000 people died by overdose across the country last year.

Local leaders like city councilman Miguel Melendez spoke at Thursday's event. He said he would like to see on-the-ground support in communities.   

"Looking at 2021 data we know that Dewey and Driving Park is spiking," said Melendez. "We know Lyell Ave. has been a challenge. We know that Monroe Ave. has some challenges. But most notably, in the heart of the Latino community, and I'll say it loud for the people in the back, North Clinton Ave. has had a significant opioid challenge for decades. We need to invest."

A mother who became an addiction recovery coach after losing her son to opioids also spoke at Thursday's event. Watch the video below to hear what she had to say.