X-Tattoo

X-Tattoo is a tattoo removal program previously owned by the City of Phoenix, whose primary goals were to remove gang related and other tattoos that would make one ineligible for employment, military service, or mark him or her for retaliation from rival gang members.

On a City of Phoenix rafting trip, Walter Switzer, a key community volunteer, met a participant who spoke of the barriers his tattoos imposed. Mr. Switzer referred the youth to Dr. Jeffrey Ptak, who in 1994, began free tattoo removal treatments for youth as a way to provide humanitarian service to the community.

In 1995, the Youth Development Division of the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department joined together with River of Dreams, a non-profit organization, members of the Arizona Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Phoenix 100 Rotary, and Valley Vocational Services to create the X Tattoo Program.

City of Phoenix X Tattoo Project History
To date, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation program has serviced over 600 participants, and currently have active over 200 participants. The program offers two treatment groups:

MBK Youth Life Skill Workshops
Participants will be required to attend a minimum of three (3) of the following workshops, during their tattoo removal treatment lifecycle process. For each completed workshop, the participant will receive a certificate of completion.

• Reading and Math Tutoring
• Building Self-esteem and Positive Self Image
• Anger and Conflict Resolution
• Dealing with Life Challenges
• Building “Positive” Friendships & Relationships
• Character Building through Sports
• Treating Childhood Obesity through Sports
• Life Skills Training
• Healthy Dietary Choices
• Building Leadership Skills
• Self RESPECT
• Sex Education
• Submitting to Authority; Why it’s important
• Financial Literacy & Building Wealth
• Drugs, Alcohol and Gang Awareness, and how to avoid them