RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- With gang activity spreading into every corner of North Carolina, state leaders are launching a new task force to find real solutions.

The Governor's Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force has more than 20 stakeholders for a collaborative and holistic approach, including law enforcement, public health, education, mental health, and criminal justice experts.

“We all know that what we want is safer communities,” said Leslie Dismukes, one of the task force’s co-chairs. “Gang violence is growing, and we can’t fix that unless we take a collaborative approach.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) said juvenile gang activity has increased nearly 50 percent in the last five years, calling it a “preventable problem” that requires early intervention.

“Understanding wh

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