title: A Second's Chance: Gang Violence Task Force prevention program.
abstract: We describe a gang violence intervention and define targets for prevention. At-risk youths were identified through courts, public schools, and law enforcement regarding gang-related activities. They participated in "A Second's Chance," a true-to-life mock emergency department  resuscitation and death of a gang member provided over an 18-month period. A questionnaire was completed by each participant. Forty-nine youths identified as at risk for gang involvement participated (37 male and 12 female, P < 0.001). Average age was 14.5 years (range, 10 to 19  years); 32 were black, 9 Hispanic, 6 white, and 2 other (P < 0.05). Seventeen (35%) had prior arrests (P = 0.059), 13 (77%) of whom had multiple arrests (P < 0.05). Forty-one (84%) reported a family member jailed (P < 0.001). Forty-two (86%) witnessed neighborhood  criminal drug activity (P < 0.001). Household leadership was predominately maternal (24 [49%], (P < 0.05). Forty-four (90%) participants provided positive meaningful responses to the intervention (P < 0.001). Gang violence prevention should be channeled through  maternal family members. History of incarcerated relatives, acquaintances, and neighborhood exposure to drugs and crime may represent additional risk factors for gang-related involvement. Demonstrations of gang violence scenarios raise awareness to consequences of gang-related activities.  Family and neighborhood characteristics should be included in development of intervention scenarios.
authors.affiliation: York Hospital/WellSpan Health, Trauma Services, York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania 17405, USA. Khughes4@wellspan.org
authors.forename: K Michael
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Devan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Griner
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guarino
authors.forename: Bernie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Drabik-Medeiros
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D026683:Advisory Committees; D002648:Child; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010379:Peer Group; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult