Nurses as gangbusters: a response to gang violence in America.

ABSTRACT

A growing number of children in America are joining gangs. Once a youth becomes associated with a gang, violence may be inevitable. Previously considered only a criminal justice problem, violence is now regarded as a preventable public health problem. Health care professionals have been challenged to design effective anti-violence strategies as part of health care reform. Nurses with knowledge about gangs can make a significant contribution to addressing this challenge.