The opioid epidemic (also called opioid crisis) refers to the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioids in the United States. Opiates are a class of analgesic drugs, including those naturally derived from opium, such as morphine and heroin, and opioids are similar synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs such as Percocet, Vicodin, OxyContin and Fentanyl.

According to the DEA, "overdose deaths, particularly from prescription drugs and heroin, have reached epidemic levels." Thelma McMillen is dedicated to doing its part to combat this opioid abuse and addiction in the following ways:

• We provide free education to large area employers and schools regarding the opioid prevention. Please email us to request set-up on-site education. (Photo showing Dr. Moe Gelbart about to present at the 2017 South Bay Opioid Awareness Week event at Peninsula High School, shown here with Karl and Carol McMillen)
• We encourage all adults who have youth and young adults visiting their home to lock-up their meds. We are happy to provide you with this free opioid lock bag (until supplies run out). Please email us to request your for pick-up at our Center.
• We encourage everyone to dispose of their expired or unused medications at any of the following, free disposal locations:
  —Lomita Safe Drug Drop-off Sheriff Station (L.A. County Sheriff's Dept.) at 26123 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717; (310) 329-2277 (Note: safe, anonymous drug drop-off boxes are available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week in front of the office)
  —Carson Safe Drug Drop-off Sheriff Station (L.A. County Sheriff's Dept.), 21356 South Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90745; (310) 830-1123 (Note: safe, anonymous drug drop-off boxes are available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week in front of the office)
  —S.A.F.E. Collection Center, 1400 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731; 1-800-988-6942 (Note: site is open Saturdays and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed holidays and rainy days)
  —EDCO Recycling and Transfer Center, 2755 California Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90807 (Note: site is open the 2nd Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Click here to download the safe medication disposal locations sheet.

If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid abuse or addiction, please contact us for a free consultation, or email us an inquiry.