LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Attorney General, Leslie Rutledge, made an announcement on Thursday, and she began by taking a look back.
"Over the last eight years, we've lost over 4,000 Arkansans to an overdose death," Rutledge said.
Perhaps another step in the battle against the opioid battle across the state.
Rutledge also put the dire issue in perspective.
"When I took office in 2015, Arkansas had a prescription rate of 117 opioid prescriptions per person," Rutledge explained.
As she leaves office, she stated that the number has been brought down to 75 prescriptions per person in the state.
For six of the last eight years of her term, Rutledge told reporters that she's been trying to settle cases with corporations such as Walmart and CVS.
Now, a better look at how much the state will get from these settlements.
"The state of Arkansas has secured and will secure approximately $430 million in settlements," Rutledge described.
Of that, Rutledge has made plans for more than $140 million to go to the general revenue— an account through which the state's finances are controlled.
When the general assembly meets in January, Rutledge hopes the money will go to improving access to treatment in Arkansas.
"We do have draft legislation that is available for our senators and House members to look at to consider whether or not they want to put forward a commission," Rutledge explained.
It is important to note the money can only go toward the prescription drug problem and treatment for addiction.
So far, the state has already received approximately $20 million.
Rutledge expects to receive the rest of the settlement in the coming days and weeks.