AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — National Prescription Drug-Take Back Day will be this Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various Aroostook County law enforcement agencies will participate.
Anyone who has unused or unwanted prescription drugs may visit a local law enforcement agency for free disposal of the medications.
During the last take-back day on April 24, Maine police departments collected 27,340 pounds of medications. In Aroostook County, 2,029 pounds of medication was collected.
The 24/7 Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Law enforcement encourages people to turn in their unwanted medications for disposal in a safe manner.
In an effort to reduce access and abuse of prescription drugs, the police departments in Aroostook County, along with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police Troop F, are available to receive and serve as prescription disposal sites all year long.
This service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked. They can take unused, expired or unwanted medicines 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not just on National Drug Take Back days.
Please not that for smaller police departments, there may not be an officer in the building 24/7. Please call ahead before you drop off prescription medications.
