UNE College of Pharmacy student organizes community drug takeback program

Second-year pharmacy student Katrina Gilman has partnered with the Sanford Police Department to bolster the town’s Drug Takeback Day efforts. Gilman, who is a Hannaford pharmacy intern in Sanford, worked with the police department to establish a takeback site at the store.

Gilman created flyers explaining the importance of proper disposal of drugs, which she posted at supermarkets, walk-in clinics and doctor’s offices in York County. The Sanford police and city council also shared her posters on their official websites and social media.

At the drug takeback event, the most successful in Sanford to date, third-year pharmacy students Liam Lombard and Eric Payeur assisted with collection efforts.

“Within fifteen minutes, we had already filled one bin,” said Gilman. “We actually ended up running out of bins, and had four times the volume of last year’s collection!”

“This event helped to strengthen the relationship between the College of Pharmacy and local law enforcement,” Gilman continued. “It provided a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with many individuals in the community.”

To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Pharmacy visit www.une.edu/pharmacy

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions