There have been 15 overdose-related deaths so far this year in Carbon County.

Recognizing the drug problem gripping the area, county commissioners adopted a proclamation Thursday recognizing Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.

The globally recognized day aims to raise awareness about the risks of overdosing from controlled substances, and remembering those who died as a result of an overdose.

“Every person deserves our best efforts to prevent injury and death from overdose and it is imperative to support overdose preventing policies and projects to help make sure everyone understands overdose is a social issue, which impacts victims’ families, friends and communities,” the proclamation states.

Commissioners’ chairman Wayne Nothstein said that the county caseload shows some of the extent of the problem.

He pointed out that the county is central to bigger counties.

“We’re like the epicenter for the drug issue or drug problems ... and we’re losing way too many people,” he said. “It’s extremely important we make more awareness.”

The county has earmarked $200,000 from the opioid settlement money it is receiving to partner with Monroe and Pike counties on an advertising campaign to raise awareness, especially in schools and doctors’ offices.

“We need to get the word out and educate people about drug overdoses and (let them know) help is out there and where to go to get help.”

To get help, Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission has a 24/7 hotline that can get a person the treatment they need. That number is 1-866-824-3578. For a statewide hotline, the number is 1-800-662-HELP.

In addition, hospital systems can also help individuals get into programs that they need to fight addiction.