Opioid related deaths are on track to reach record highs in Trumbull County this year.

Warren City Council leaders are declaring a state of emergency for the city and are ready to put up a fight for funding from the state.

In Trumbull County, opioid related deaths are expected to rise to more than 170 this year, an increase of more than 50 from last year.

Trumbull County Commissioner Frank Fuda said the problem is getting worse.

The Trumbull County Commissioners first passed a resolution calling on state and federal authorities to release emergency funding to help pay for resources needed to combat the opioid problem.

Warren City Council followed suit Wednesday night, declaring the city in a state of emergency.

“The money is there,” said Councilman Eddie Colbert. “It has to become a priority for the state and federal government.”

State Representative Michael O'Brien attended the meeting and said state emergency management dollars need to be freed up so the opioid epidemic can be fought by a unified force in Trumbull County.

City leaders said the resolution to declare a state of emergency is just a piece of paper unless the public joins in the fight and does their part.

Colbert said with enough effort, he's confident state and federal funding could eventually be released to fight the opioid epidemic.