Belinda Robinson of the Los Angeles Police Department. One day she told Wilkerson that she saw a great need for a tattoo removal clinic. Such a clinic, she said, would be one way of reducing violence. With Wilkerson at the helm, the hospital set up a committee. The program is now in its third year.
Money is a major factor in tattoo removal.
Hiring the laser machine and its technician, Freddie, takes money. The professional staff is volunteer, people like Dr. David Friedman, who does a Saturday morning every six or eight weeks. Another Saturday regular, Evelia Garcia, a volunteer who is a junior at Providence High School, Burbank, was applying the post-laser salve. After treatment, the tattoo area is covered with salve and cling wrap, taped tight to keep air out. Friedman was ready for the young woman on the table.