Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the first round of opioid grant funding Monday.

The $25 million will be made available to community groups, nonprofits and county agencies to assist in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.

It is coming as a result of Suffolk County's landmark lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors.

"We are dedicated to the idea that every dollar of these funds will go towards ending the crisis - every single dollar," Bellone says.

Linda Ventura's son, Thomas, died when he was 21 after struggling with an addiction to heroin.

She says she will be keeping a close eye on how the money is spent.

"These dollars can be the influx into the continuum of care that we so desperately need in the county," Ventura says. "I set up Thomas's Hope Foundation and we're in the town of Brookhaven in Holtsville - and I get people to treatment on a daily basis."

Ventura says there must be creative thinking when it comes to using grant money - like how to help those who are addicted and homeless.

"There should be innovative ways to really help people - give them a hand up, not a handout," Ventura says.

She says the money could go towards ending scenarios that compromise women with children who are recovering - but struggle to get back to their way of life.

The application process for eligible groups is open to receive funding.