Do you work for a nonprofit that might be thinking about adding tattoo removal to the services you offer to those in reentry?
A recent Astanza webinar, which the company offers on a regular basis, explains exactly how you can do that and what it might mean for your organization.
It answers some of the follow questions:
How can providing tattoo removal services benefit your organization? It can offer:
- Increased awareness and potentially attract types of volunteers and donors you haven’t had in the past.
- A new source of revenue through sponsorships and grants.
- An opportunity to create strategic partnerships with other organizations that will allow you to reach more potential clients.
What are the barriers that people in seeking tattoo removal services face?
- The process is too expensive.
- There aren’t enough free or low-cost tattoo removal programs, especially in non-urban areas.
- People in reentry may not know how to find these services, or may not even be aware that they exist.
What does your organization need to have so it can be able to provide tattoo removal services?
- A population in need of tattoo removal.
- Trained volunteers or staff who can perform the procedures. Every state has different requirements for who can operate a laser to do this work. And these range from almost anyone who wants to do it to medical doctors.
- Tattoo removal laser equipment and a space to perform the procedures.
- Volunteers or staff members to support operations. These can include those providing intake and arranging appointments, as well as someone to publicize the service so that people will know about it.
What are the specific treatment space requirements?
These vary depending on what your organization can manage to obtain, but essential items include a tattoo removal laser device, an air-conditioned room, power outlets, an exam table and a stool for the practitioner.
What type of tattoo removal laser device will I need?
There are two specific machines that Astanza recommends, depending on the type of tattoos your expected clients might have. The Astanza Duality works for the removal of black tattoos. And the more expensive Astanza Trinity is for tattoos with a variety of colors.
How much does it cost to create a tattoo-removal program and how can we pay for it?
According to Astanza, the initial investment an organization would have to make ranges from $75,000 to $135,000.
It’s possible to fund a program through a grant, a fundraising drive or donations from philanthropists, corporations, health care systems and others.
It’s also possible to start by renting a machine or buying a used machine at a substantial savings.
How can we learn how to do tattoo removal procedures?
Astanza offers a two-day training program through its New Look Laser College at several different U.S. sites. Those who complete the training are fully certified to do the procedures.
When buying new equipment training is usually included. It’s also quite common to be trained by colleagues or other people in your community who have the knowledge and expertise.
What else can Astanza do for my organization?
In addition to the Astanza webinar, the company offers complementary marketing support and assistance with helping nonprofits identify the specific regulations for their state, among other things.
To learn more, contact Charles Hoke, who is in charge of Astanza’s government and corrections partnerships, at 800-364-9010 or info@astanzalaser.com.
Editor’s Note: Want to Start a Tattoo Removal Program? Let Us Help. We provide free technical assistance to nonprofits and individuals looking to launch or enhance tattoo removal programs in their communities. Drawing from our experience at Jails to Jobs, we’ll guide you through the process. Here’s our contact info and a few resources and articles to get you started.
