A new nonprofit is taking over syringe pick-up services in Bangor, the city announced Monday.
Bangor had previously contracted with the Health Equity Alliance, known as HEAL, to collect syringe waste. HEAL closed this spring, and the job has now been transferred to Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.
Residents can report syringes found on public property through the city’s website or by calling Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness at 207-299-6378.
The announcement comes as the city continues to grapple with the effects of the opioid epidemic and an ongoing HIV outbreak in the county. Nearly everyone who has tested positive for HIV as part of the outbreak reported injecting drugs in the year before they were diagnosed.
HEAL was one of the largest service providers for people with HIV or substance use disorders in Bangor, and its closure has prompted the city and other organizations to find other ways to help those communities.
Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, a nonprofit, also offers syringe exchange services, HIV testing, Narcan and safe sex supplies at its office on Hancock Street, although those services are separate from the city contract.
The City Council authorized the City Manager to make an agreement with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness in March, saying the city would pay up to $66,618 for syringe pick-up services.
The nonprofit will be responsible for responding to reports of needle waste, managing syringe disposal boxes, and accepting syringe waste from city departments, according to the agreement.
Bangor initially began the needle waste partnership with HEAL in 2023. The organization received nearly $29,000 to hire a part-time employee responsible for syringe pick-up services.
