Bill > LD1738

This bill establishes the Biohazard Waste Disposal Grant Program within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address the public health challenges associated with improperly discarded hypodermic apparatuses (used needles and syringes). The program will provide quarterly grants to community-based organizations and municipalities to fund hypodermic apparatus mitigation and collection efforts. Eligible applicants must submit applications demonstrating community need, project goals, budget, and data collection plans. The CDC will prioritize funding for projects targeting areas with high rates of improperly discarded needles, those involving collaborative community approaches, and initiatives with innovative disposal strategies. Grant funds can be used for purchasing and installing disposal boxes, hiring and training staff for collection and disposal, ensuring proper disposal at in-state facilities, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. The program requires the CDC to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing grant outcomes and potential improvements, with the reporting period running from November 1st to October 31st. This initiative aims to reduce biohazard exposure risks and improve community health and safety by providing structured support for proper hypodermic apparatus disposal.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1738&snum=132