Maine’s Drug Take-Back Program Starts Tuesday
This weekend marks the national drug takeback day that usually takes place in the spring but was postponed due to COVID-19 and infection threat.
Usually, there is a set up in the Sheriff's Department's lobby in Cumberland County, where people bring unwanted prescription drugs to drop them off to keep them out of the home.
However, the new plan was there's going to be a roadside drop-off point where officers do not have to have contact with citizens making a drop off to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Drug take back today at WGME/Fox 23 at 81 Northport Drive Portland. Bring all unused/unwanted medication. #nationaldrugtakebackday
Posted by Cumberland County Sheriff's Office - Maine on Friday, 23 October 2020
This program aims to keep people from being addicted to or accidentally using prescription medication and keeping overdoses down.
Captain Craig Smith of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department had this to say to WGME 13 about the program and their plans to keep citizens and officers safe.
"When they get here, we'll have a deputy waiting for them," Cumberland County Sheriff's Captain Craig Smith said. "A deputy will open the box, step away, they'll be able to put their drugs into this secure box, and then step away, we'll secure it and maintain social distancing."
The drug takeback program will commence weekly starting next week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
For more information, check out the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department's Facebook page.
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