Project New Start - A Tattoo Removal Program
When a gang member wants to leave gang life and get a new start, he or she may find it extremely difficult to do so. Gang tattoos are a stigma that follows them through life. They turn off employers. They can draw the suspicion of police officers. Tattoos often place former gang members at risk of being attacked by gangs.
To help at-risk youth in our community take the first step toward escaping gang life, La Clínica joined the efforts of Project New Start. Coordinated by the Alameda County Public Health Department, Project New Start provides gang-related youth with tattoo removal, mentoring, and social support services. Project New Start requires that young people interested in the program make a commitment to a vocational and/or educational plan with sponsors at a local youth agency, and perform at least 50 hours of community volunteer work. All participating agencies-including the Public Health Department, La Clínica and sponsors-work closely with participants to support them in reaching their personal goals.
How Are Tattoos Removed?
La Clínica's doctors remove tattoos through a laser process that breaks up the pigment and causes it to fade over a course of multiple treatments. This process takes four to ten sessions depending on the size, quality and color of the tattoo. La Clínica provides tattoo removal services every other month for participants who keep their commitments.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for Project New Start, participants should be:
- An Alameda County Resident.
- Between the ages of 13 and 25.
- Willing and dedicated to making positive lifestyle changes.
- Enrolled in a school or job training program, or have a stable job.
Our Partners:
Project New Start is a cooperative effort of numerous individuals and community based youth organizations, including:
- Alameda Country Supervisor Gail Steele
- Project New Start Advisory Council
- Alameda County Public Health Department
- Alameda County Medical Center - Highland Campus
- Probation Department
- Highland Foundation
- Lisa D. Benton, M.D., M.P.H.
- Arthur Chen, M.D.
- Alice Kaida, R.N.
- City of Oakland
- Alameda Alliance for Health
- California Youth Authority
- East Bay Organization of Nursing Executives
- Community Counseling and Education Center
- Eden Youth & Family Center
- Kaiser Permanente
Tattoo Removal services are available at: La Clínica Fruitvale Village
Post Office Box 22210, Oakland, CA 94623-2210 Phone: (510) 535-4000 Fax: (510) 535-4189