Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long is pleased to announce the launch of the second countywide Tattoo Removal Program which will hold its first clinic on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Las Islas Family Medical Group, located at 325 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard. Supervisor Long will participate in a ribbon cutting at 8:30AM to launch this available service for individuals who are making important efforts to change their lifestyle.

Supervisor Kathy Long was instrumental in spearheading the successful tattoo removal program in Santa Paula that has helped transform resident’s lives for the last twelve years. Supervisor Long comments; “Tattoos often make it difficult for people to leave a gang lifestyle, find employment or have a lasting relationship. Through this valuable program, residents can receive a tattoo removal service that helps change lives.” The program is offered free of charge for residents of Ventura County, following participation in an orientation, medical prescreening and documented community service or approved self-help program.

A couple years ago, Supervisor Long began looking to expand and duplicate the successful Santa Paula program in other areas of the County. She is pleased to recognize that through collaboration with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, area non-profits and a dedicated team of volunteers, the Tattoo Removal Program will now be offered in Oxnard.

The Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program has been made possible through the collaboration with the Supervisor, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Oxnard Police Department, Las Islas Family Medical Group, Interface Children Family Services, the Oxnard Alliance for Community Strength, and CalWORKS. Acquisition of the laser machine was made possible through Oxnard's 'Operation PeaceWorks' gang intervention program, with funding provided by a California Gang Reduction, Intervention, Prevention (CalGRIP) grant.

The Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program not only welcomes participants at the clinic, but also volunteers to help coordinate services.

For further information about the Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program or its June 25, 2011 clinic, individuals can contact the Las Islas Family Medical Group at (805) 483-0198.