title: D-TAG: erasing the tag of gang membership.
abstract: Gangs are noted for establishing their territory, flaunting gang affiliation, intimidating nonmembers, and documenting their "services performed." These examples are a few reasons for the practice of "tagging," the labeling of an area, person, or object with gang-related graffiti or markings, such as tattoos. This article describes a school nurse's response to gang "tagging" and her efforts to assist former gang members who request removal of their tattoos, to get them removed-in essence to D-TAG themselves from their gang affiliation. D-TAG is a volunteer rehabilitation program utilizing family and community interaction to support gang tattoo removal and direct activities away from gang affiliations toward alternative educational programs and life styles.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson High School, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gurke
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010379:Peer Group; D012573:School Nursing; D012933:Social Identification; D013653:Tattooing