Tattoo Removal

The Tattoo Removal Program was started in 1997 to help those with criminal affiliations erase their pasts, and give a healing hand to others whose tattoos make it hard to get a job. It is coordinated through Dominican Hospital's Health Outreach Services Program.

In memory of Judge Tom Black, the program was initiated by the Youth Resource Bank of Santa Cruz County and the TagAway Program (Created by Bizquests, Inc), in collaboration with Dominican Hospital. The Youth Resource and Bizquests, Inc raises raised $70,000 to purchase the initial equipment.  Bizquests, Inc wrote successful legislation to fund pilot projects in the California Youth Authority, and was subsequently duplicated in three other states.  Bizquests, Inc continues to write grants to fund the program and has been funded through 2020. The program serves Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and other counties.

Since October 1997, thousands of treatments have been given by the Tattoo Removal Program. The majority of clients are under 22 years old. More than 75% of those in the program had been tattooed for gang identification--and wanted out.

Youth who want to take advantage of the Tattoo Removal Program have to complete a counseling program land keep in school or have a job. In a private office, tattoo removal could be over $400 per session. Through Dominican's program, treatments are $10 each, which also covers the cost of take-home medication, or is free to those who cannot afford to pay.  The program is run by all volunteer doctors.

It's All Done with Lasers

With the latest attachments and a hand piece specially designed for dermatological use, the most stubborn multi-colored tattoo can usually be wiped out. While individual treatment sessions are relatively brief, the number of sessions required depends on the intensity of the tattoo and the area covered.