Skowhegan approves ordinance for needle exchange program
SKOWHEGAN – Maine Access Points, a group based out of Portland, sent a certified letter to the Town of Skowhegan in February saying they intend to open a mobile needle exchange program in the town.
“As such a great program that it is to help prevent spreading of HIV and Hepatitis A, B and C with a needle exchange, I saw that it created more issues,” Chief David Bucknam of the Skowhegan Police Department said.
Town Manager Christine Almond said they wanted to find a safer way for this to be done.
“Folks didn’t want to see a needle exchange program out of the back of a car in their neighborhood on an intersection,” Almond said. “We felt it was important to put forth an ordinance.”
They said the ordinance was approved at the town meeting on Aug. 29, authorizing the needle exchange program under certain regulations.
“We definitely want it to be in a building. We think that that’s important,” Almond said. “Also, we want to be able to approve the employees and be able to document what’s going on.”
“The facility must meet all code enforcement expectations, as well as being a single use facility, meaning they can’t operate from another business in the back room,” Bucknam said. “It has to be strictly for the needle exchange.”
According to the ordinance, the needle exchange program is not allowed to operate within 750 feet of any parks, schools, churches, day care centers, libraries or playgrounds.
“It’s in effect, and we’ve been working with the governor’s office and Maine Access Points to look at ways for them to be able to facilitate conducting the program here in Skowhegan,” Bucknam said. “Basically, it just comes down to making sure they follow the town ordinance and finding that spot that’s gonna be best suitable for them.”
Attempts to reach Maine Access Points were unsuccessful.
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