Capital Region Gun Buyback Program Enters 11th Year

HARTFORD, CT — The Capitol Region Gun Buyback program will enter its eleventh year with an event this weekend, according to a statement from St. Francis Hospital. The program has had success in the past: NPR reported that a buyback last year collected 137 guns in six hours, doubling the previous year's numbers.

The program is run by Connecticut Children’s, Saint Francis Hospital, and Hartford Hospital along with the City of Hartford, the Hartford Police Department, the Hartford State’s Attorney Office, and several other community partners and is intended lower the number of unwanted and unsecured guns in homes in the greater Hartford region.

Everyone who turns in a working gun will receive a Stop & Shop gift card. Gift cards range from $200 for assault rifles, to $100 dollars for handguns or revolvers, to $25 dollars for shotguns or rifles. Guns must be unloaded and placed in a clear plastic bag, and inside a paper bag or box. Guns may be submitted anonymously.

The ultimate goal of the event is to reduce the number of firearm-related injuries locally and regionally.

The event will be Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Curtis D. Robinson Center for Health Equality at 140 Woodland St. in Hartford.