HASC presented its first gang awareness program for health care professionals at the California Endowment April 5. More than 40 CNOs, emergency department staff, clinicians, administrators, patient advocates, security staff and case managers attended to hear local hospitals present information about successfully preventing gang violence in hospitals.

With nearly half of all nonfatal assaults and violence occurring in health care settings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, violence is a growing concern.

The program featured prominent representatives and interventionists trained to help workers increase awareness, identify gaps in preparation and recognize the warning signs of potentially violent situations.

Father Greg Boyle, Homeboy Industries, shared how his organization engages with gang members, offering information to help hospital workers understand the profile of a gang member.

Local hospitals also presented case studies, demonstrating successful protocols and long-term approaches to combating violence. Topics included:

• Keeping the Safe Zone Safe: White Memorial Gang Intervention Program with Dr. Brian Johnston, Director and Department Chair, Emergency Medicine; Leah Patterson, RN, CEN, MBA, Director of Emergency Services; and Mike Garcia, Director of Gang Intervention
• Hospital-Based Gang Violence Prevention & Intervention with St. Francis Medical Center’s Paul Carillo, Injury Prevention Coordinator and T. Shepherd, MD, FACS, Director, Division of Trauma
• Hospital Preparedness and Response: What Hospitals Need to Consider with Louie Hernandez Director, Security for Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Jaime Garcia, HASC Regional Vice President for the Los Angeles area, moderated the program.