A model for sustainable laser tattoo removal services for adult probationers
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 9 July 2019
Issue publication date: 18 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a sustainable free laser tattoo removal clinic for economically disadvantaged adult probationers.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the partnerships, methods and challenges/lessons learned from the implementation of a free monthly laser tattoo removal program for adult probationers within a medical school setting in California.
Findings
Possible patients are identified via a collaboration with the county’s Probation Department. Founded in 2016, this monthly program has provided tattoo removal services to >37 adult patient probationers, many of whom receive follow-up treatments. Clients seek to remove about four blue/black ink tattoos. Since its inception, 23 dermatology residents have volunteered in the program. Challenges to patients’ ongoing participation primarily pertain to scheduling issues; strategies for overcoming barriers to participation are provided. No safety concerns have emerged.
Social implications
Programs such as this public-private partnership may benefit probationers by eliminating financial barriers associated with tattoo removal. This model supports the training of cohorts of dermatologists seeking community service opportunities related to laser medicine. Others seeking to implement a similar program may also consider expanding treatment days/times to facilitate access for working probationers, providing enrollment options for other health and social services (e.g. public insurance, food stamp programs) and hosting a mobile onsite clinic to address clients’ physical and mental health needs.
Originality/value
This paper describes a unique collaboration between law enforcement and a medical school and it may assist other jurisdictions in establishing free tattoo removal programs for the benefit of probationers. The methods described overcome challenges regarding the implementation of this specialized clinical service.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the San Diego Indigent Legal Defense Grant Fund and the Program Officer Victor Pippins, JD, for their support in establishing the UCSD Clean Slate Free Tattoo Removal Clinic. The authors are also grateful to the UCSD Dermatology Residents and Fellows and Brian Jiang, MD for participating and contributing their time and passion for laser medicine to help the San Diego Community. The authors are grateful to Alexandra Roberts for providing meditation activities to the patients. Neither the funder nor the aforementioned individuals determined the scope or content of this paper. The views presented here are solely those of the authors.
Citation
Ojeda, V.D., Romero, L. and Ortiz, A. (2019), "A model for sustainable laser tattoo removal services for adult probationers", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 308-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-09-2018-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited