HOULTON, Maine — As part of an effort to combat drug addiction, the Houlton Police Department is partnering with Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook to sponsor the national Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.
On that day, from 10 a.m. to noon, anyone with unused or expired medications may drop them off at the police office for safe disposal. The Houlton Police Department will also have a needle disposal kiosk available. Any sharp needles must be placed in a container resistant to punctures before being dropped off.
In order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines, anyone entering the police department lobby must wear a mask and maintain six-foot social distancing. If others are making a dropoff, those in line are encouraged to wait outside the lobby at the entrance until it is their turn.
“The disposal is anonymous and free of charge,” HPD Chief Tim DeLuca said. “The Houlton Police Department and Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook support this program to safeguard and protect our citizens and environment.”
Other departments in Aroostook, such as in Caribou and Presque Isle, will also be participating on Oct. 24. Caribou will also be doing a drive-thru clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m as part of the drug takeback.
During the last take back day on October 25th, 2019 Maine police departments collected 31,180 pounds of medications. In Aroostook County, 1,797 pounds of medication was collected.
In addition to HPD’s drug takeback on Oct. 24, the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office is also available every day for medication, drug and needle drop-offs. On Drug Takeback Day, sheriff’s deputies will visit various other agencies around The County, such as the Presque Isle Police Department, with trucks and boxes to collect all drugs and medications turned in for safe disposal.
“We provide the truck and a couple of deputies, and we go from agency to agency where we have the drop-off sites,”ACSO Commander Joey Seeley said. “Most agencies now have boxes that you can drop [the medication] off.”
Anyone with questions regarding the drug takeback can contact the Houlton Police Department or Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
