AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — Aroostook County law enforcement agencies will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.
Anyone who has unused or unwanted prescription drugs is asked to bring them to any local police department for proper disposal.
During the last Take Back Day on Oct. 24, Maine police departments collected 40,100 pounds of medications. In Aroostook County, 3,635 pounds of medication were collected.
In an effort to reduce access and abuse of prescription drug abuse police departments in Aroostook County, Aroostook County Sherriff’s Office and Maine State Police Troop E are available to receive and serve as prescription disposal sites all year long. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. They can take unused, expired or unwanted medicines at any time, not just on National Drug Take Back days.
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—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
At smaller police departments, there may not be an officer in the building 24/7. Please call ahead before dropping off prescription medications.
