UMass Memorial Healthcare this morning hosted a press conference, announcing its 16th annual gun buyback program Wednesday, which offers gun owners gift cards in exchange for firearms.
The event highlights the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn.
The Goods for Guns program now encompasses 20 cities and towns in Massachusetts, according to a statement from the Worcester-based health system. Police departments throughout the region held buyback hours Wednesday, providing gift cards in varying amounts, depending on the type of weapon surrendered.
Last year, nearly 260 firearms were surrendered and since the program’s inception, more than 3,400 firearms have been turned in across the region, according to UMass Memorial.
