Tattoo artists are now donating their protective gear to local hospitals and health care professionals who are in serious need as the coronavirus crisis disrupts their industry.
Since hospitals are experiencing supply shortages, they’re sharing their own while several artists say the devastating effects the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their businesses and livelihoods.
Michelle Myles, co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo in NYC, says, “Tattooers really understand the need for protective equipment. We already operate with an awareness of bloodborne pathogens and cross-contamination, and so we take a lot of precautions anyway in our day-to-day operations.”
Another artist and owner of the Art With a Point studio in Minneapolis, MN, Awen Briem, says, “We’re professionals supporting other professionals. We all share an interest in the health and safety of our communities. I think there’s a tremendous amount of empathy there because we have the understanding of what’s going on.”
A third, Buddy Wheeler, owner of two Tattoo Charlie’s shops in Kentucky, donated all of his medical supplies to a Louisville and Lexington hospital.
He says, “Both hospitals were extraordinarily thankful and gracious. Actually, I got a call this morning from the Baptist hospital in Lexington thanking me again for bringing supplies and donating them yesterday. It’s a good feeling to help out like that.”
