Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

Sierra VistaRegional Medical Center – San Luis Obispo, California
Liberty Tattoo Removal Program

What is it?
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center collaborates with the Economic Opportunity Corporation (EOC) of San Luis Obispo on the Liberty Tattoo Removal (LTR) Program. Under the auspices of the EOC, a nonprofit community organization, the Liberty Tattoo Removal Program assists people with the removal of unwanted, anti-social, and/or gang-related tattoos that inhibit employment or otherwise interfere with life. There is no charge to participants but community service is required. Community physicians donate their time at the monthly clinics to remove the unwanted tattoos. The clinics are housed at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, which donates both space and supplies in addition to making a substantial annual monetary donation each year.

Who is it for?
In order to be eligible, a person’s tattoo must be gang-related or anti-social and prevent someone from finding employment or otherwise interfere with the person’s daily life. In addition, participants must reside in San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria, sign a clean and sober agreement, pledge not to get any additional tattoos, and complete a minimum of 16 hours of public service in the nonprofit agency of their choice.

Why do they do it?
People with tattoos often find themselves being unfairly stereotyped in a way that makes it difficult to find employment or be promoted to higher, better paying positions. The Liberty Tattoo Program works with people in the community to erase this social stigma and help individuals break free from their former gang lifestyles and find employment.

Impact: In 2007, LTR provided 191 laser tattoo removal treatments to over 60 clients. This resulted in 3,056 community work service volunteer hours being donated to the county for these treatments. Since inception of the program in November of 2000, and with a year off due to the program’s doctor retiring and new doctors being recruited and trained, 2,107 treatments have been performed.

Contact: Janet Allenspach
Program Coordinator
Telephone: 805-544-2484 (messages 805-781-1285)
E-mail: jallenspach@eocslo.org