Contact: Dr. Patrick Hudson 505/880-0779, 505/243-4059
MAYOR AND DOCTOR TEAM-UP TO PEEL AWAY GANG SYMBOLS
(ALBUQUERQUE, NM JULY 30, 1994) Mayor Martin Chavez and plastic surgeon Patrick Hudson MD joined forces today to put into effect the city's latest initiative to deter gang membership: the free removal of tattoo's from former gang members.
"I am especially pleased with this undertaking because it shows that government and the private sector can work together to create programs that persuade our young people to reject the gang lifestyle. I am grateful to Dr. Hudson for making the suggestion and for volunteering his time and expertise and to the city personnel who helped make the idea a reality. Our fight against gangs is waged on three levels: prevention, intervention and enforcement. This initiative is part of our intervention efforts." The Mayor said.
In launching his Safe and Sane Summer Campaign Mayor Chavez had asked for suggestions from the community on how to fight gangs. Dr. Hudson responded with the tattoo removal proposal.
"The Mayor's call for community solutions struck a note with me because I have seen how destructive these tattoo's can be to young people. They are really a form of personal graffiti that can hamper them from getting jobs, making friends and otherwise making a clean break from gangs. I am pleased to be able to lend a hand and hope the program will encourage others to offer their help." Dr. Hudson said.
Mayor Chavez had the city's Family and Community Services Division move on the suggestion and under the guidance of gang specialist Ron Wallace young people who demonstrated a willingness and commitment to reject gang involvement were selected for the program.
"We had dozens of inquires. The response strengthens my belief that many, if not most, of our young people are looking for a way to break from gangs," Chavez said."
The necessary laser equipment used in the tattoo removal was donated by the Presbyterian Hospital Surgical and Orthopedic Division under the administration of Bob Reel.
Dr. Hudson hopes to continue the free tattoo removal in the future with the assistance of other medical professionals. He is a board certified plastic surgeon in practice in Albuquerque since 1979.
505/242 0070 for more information