Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a $26 billion agreement Tuesday, Aug. 10 with the three largest distributors of opioids, as well as Johnson & Johnson for their roles in the opioid crisis. 

Valley communities including Girard, Boardman and Warren unanimously passed their resolution to receive a portion of the money to use to fight the opioid crisis in their respective communities.

Communities can use this funding in various ways to fight the opioid crisis. A few pre-approved uses include a wide range of intervention, treatment, education and recovery services.

Girard Mayor Jim Melfi tells 21 News the opioid crisis has hit their community hard and says these funds will directly go to community care surrounding drug abuse.

Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree told 21 News the township would receive $175,000-$280,000 based on how many communities vote in favor of the settlement. Loree said they hope to apply funds towards opioid recovery. 

"This is the most significant impact, dollars and cents wise, that has been made in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, ever," said Enzo Cantalamessa, Warren Law Director. 

Cantalamessa even hopes this could cover enforcement. "I'm hopeful to see that enforcement and increased law enforcement presence going forward through these resources are what one of the main objectives ends up being."

Cantalamessa said fine detail will come as time progresses on how much cities will receive. "As the final approval through the courts is done with regard to the settlements, some of those finer details and specifics with regard on where the money can be spent will begin to flow to all cities."

"I have a lot of faith in our recovery professionals," said Doug Franklin, Mayor of Warren. "It's extremely important to get the money in their hands as well to have sort of an education and prevention program."

The subject hits home for Warren Councilman John Brown Jr. after he lost his brother to an oxycodone overdose.

"He was put on that from a broken leg injury from a doctor so it hits home to me," Brown Jr. said to 21 News. "I just want people to know that while it seems like a lot of money, it's less than 1% of what these big drug companies made on destroying lives and destroying families."

Stay updated with 21 News on the opioid crisis settlement and how much funds Valley communities will receive.