Project New Start: A Lifestyle Change Program for Youth
Project New Start is a comprehensive program for youth who are at risk for gang activity and instead want to make positive changes in their lives and have their tattoos removed. The project coordinates tattoo removal with mentoring and other social support services. Successful participants make a commitment to a vocational and/or educational plan with sponsors at a local youth agency.
In addition, participants perform at least 50 hours of community volunteer work of interest to them. Project New Start staff and the sponsors work closely with each participant to support them in reaching their personal goals.
How are tattoos removed?
Tattoos are removed through a laser process that breaks up the pigment and causes it to fade over the course of multiple treatments. This process takes from four to ten sessions, depending on the size, quality, and color of the tattoo. Treatment sessions are conducted every other month for those participants who keep up their commitments.
Latino USA: Taking Tattoos Off
Sometimes, in order to gain something, one must give something up. This is the story of how one man removed his tattoos, quit drinking, and became determined to better his life.
Body Art Ordinance
Since January 8, 2009, the Alameda County’s Body Art (Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Permanent Cosmetics) Ordinance has been in effect. The ordinance requires that all existing and new establishments, as well as the individual practitioners, obtain permits and comply with new requirements.
Alameda County Health, Environmental Health Department is responsible for implementing this program. The department issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure that establishments and practitioner’s) are operating in compliance with the law.
For details on the County’s Body Art Ordinance, applications for a facility permit, artist registration, and related health and safety information, visit the Environmental Health Department’s website for Tattoo, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetic Establishments
Project New Start Partners
Project New Start is a cooperative effort among numerous individuals and community-based youth organizations, including:
- Former Alameda County Supervisor Gail Steele
- Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
- Medical Center on Highland Campus and Probation Department
- Lisa D. Benton, MD, MPH
- Arthur Chen, MD
- Alice Chen, MD
- Alice Kaida, RN
- East Bay Organization of Nursing Executives
- Community Counseling and Education Center
- Eden Youth & Family Center; Kaiser Permanente
- Washington Hospital
- UC San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and Merritt College nursing programs