RNs and DAs collaborate to prevent drug abuse.

Two unique disciplines have come together in a large urban community to provide a community-based drug prevention program for children--Pupils, Lawyers, and Nurses (P.L.A.N.) Against Drugs. This unique relationship brings two sets of expertise to better respond to the complex problem of drug abuse. The program approaches drug abuse prevention by focusing on law enforcement and nursing as career options for inner city children. Cooperation was emphasized from the initial planning stages through project implementation. Other contributors to this program include school district leaders, teachers, community leaders, representatives from the state division of substance abuse, nursing faculty, and district attorneys. The program has received international and national recognition for its efforts. This paper describes the advantages of the collaborative approach to a complex problem.