BLUE HILL and ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital recently installed a solution for disposal of unwanted or expired medication. A locked kiosk installed near the front main entrance of the hospital is accessible to the community. Northern Light Blue Hill’s kiosk is located inside the main entrance of the new hospital.

“We know that providing a safe, convenient space to dispose of unused or expired medications is critical to reducing access to controlled substances in our communities,” said Blue Hill and Maine Coast Hospital director of communications Kelley Columber, in a news release.

April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of safe, convenient, and responsible disposal of prescription drugs, while also sharing risks for potential for abuse of unused medications.

“One of the easiest ways for individuals with a substance use disorder to get controlled substances is going through family and friends’ medicine cabinets,” said senior physician executive Mike Murnik, MD. “This can save lives.” 

For medication collection offsite, Northern Light Primary Care practices stock to Deterra medication waste bags, a program in partnership with Healthy Acadia.