In Carbon County, officials are working to find ways to utilize the over $4.5 million the county will receive over an 18-year period from the national opioid settlement.

Last year, the commissioners partnered with Monroe and Pike counties to create a fentanyl awareness campaign that includes a website, billboards, social media advertisements and more. Carbon earmarked $200,000 for their part.

Last week, the commissioners reported that a meeting with several counties throughout the commonwealth occurred regarding what this money could be used for since one requirement under the settlement is that it be used for opioid related projects.

However, Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that in 10 years, opioids may not be the drug of choice in Carbon and voiced his concerns over how they can use the money as it is intended while still addressing the problem.

The board got some ideas through the meeting, but still have more questions than answers.

On Thursday, the commissioners also entered into an agreement to help fully establish a diversion program at the county prison using $54,630 of the settlement funds.

The program, overseen by Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol, will help identify those in the prison who need services to help with drug and alcohol addiction.