ME LD1738

Establishes the Biohazard Waste Disposal Grant Program within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to fund hypodermic apparatus (needle) mitigation and collection efforts in community settings

Eligible grant recipients include community-based organizations, certified needle exchange programs, and municipalities including municipal health departments

Grant funds may be used to purchase and install disposal boxes, hire and train staff for collection, pay for permanent disposal at compliant in-state facilities, and implement evidence-based prevention strategies

Funding priority given to applications addressing areas with documented increases in improperly discarded needles, collaborative approaches with community stakeholders, and innovative disposal access strategies

Requires the Maine CDC to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing program outcomes and recommendations, covering the period from November 1st to October 31st